Leo William Russell was born on August 23rd, 1937 in Bolivar Missouri to Frank M. Russell and Bessie M. (Ballinger) Russell. Leo was married on February 14th, 1965 to Carol Lee Copeland from Livingston, Montana. Leo and Carol met in Oklahoma City in 1964 at a Good Will Store where they were both employed. Leo said that he could never understand why he went to Oklahoma City from Missouri until he met Carol. Then, according to Leo, it was clear that God wanted Leo to meet Carol and marry her. Leo and Carol knew each other for only a few weeks when Leo asked Carol to marry him and they had a short engagement. They moved back to Livingston, Montana where they were married and Leo found work at the lumber mill. Leo and Carol were very close to Carol's family and enjoyed many hours hunting rocks with Carol's parents who owned and operated a Rock Shop in Livingston. Leo and Carol moved to Helena in 1985 to work at Helena Industries. Leo eventually left Helena Industries and worked at County Market as a janitor in the meat department until his retirement.Leo had many hobbies including collecting cans along Montana Ave., collecting pennies, needle point, crocheting, macramé and listening to old-time Gospel music. Leo moved into Eagles Manor in 2010 and resided there until his death.Leo trusted Jesus Christ as Savior at an "old-fashioned revival" when Leo was thirteen. Leo's faith in Jesus Christ as Savior was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was always ready to let you know that he was a Christian. Leo was very active in his church and attended every service unless he physically could not be present. His faithfulness to the Lord and to his church was an encouragement to all who knew him. Leo enjoyed showing his love for people by making things for them. He made countless Christmas trees out of beads and safety pins along with multiple afghans and comforters which he happily gave away. When asked why he made so many things to give away, he commented that "so many people have done so much for me, I want to do something for others". Leo took great pleasure in teasing. Many care providers and doctors were recipients of Leo's playfulness and big, warm-hearted smiles. As Leo became more confined to home and his dependence on others grew, he was extremely thankful to the people who came to his apartment to care for him and to keep him healthy. Leo trusted in Scripture's promise of everlasting life in Heaven through faith in Jesus Christ and claimed that he was "ready to go". Even so, Leo will be greatly missed.Leo is survived by his brother, Lorn Franklin Russell and Leo's son, Tom Leo Russell. There will be a memorial service for Leo at Victory Baptist Church (8169 Avocet Drive Helena, Montana) on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 1:00 pm with pie and ice cream following.