Howard E. Wyss

Howard E. Wyss, age 95, lifelong resident of Russellville, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, May 1, 2011.
He was born September 14, 1915, in Russellville, a son of Phillip Walter and Mary Scheurer Wyss. On December 22, 1940, in California, Howard was united in marriage to Berniece Pearl Parrish, who preceded him in death March 31, 1998.
He was a 1935 graduate of California High School. From 1945-1946 he attended Rolla School of Mines. He enrolled in Lincoln University in 1968, graduating in 1971 with a degree in Math. After receiving his degree, he taught at Linn High School for one year.
Howard served his country during World War II in the United States Army Air Corps. He retired as a Major, from the United States Air Force Reserves in the early 1960's after more than 20 years of service.
In 1949, he established the Russellville Locker and Grocery in downtown Russellville. The business later moved to its present location off of C Highway and is now known as the Russellville Locker and Feed. Howard, along with his son, Mike and daughter, Nancy and their families, co-owned and operated the family business until his health failed a few years ago and he semi-retired.
From 1964-1969, he served as president of the Community Bank of Russellville remaining a vital part of the bank by serving on the Board of Directors for more than 20 years.
Howard was community minded. He was Mayor of Russellville in the late 50' and early 60's. He was also a charter member of the Russellville Lions Club, remaining a member for more than 50 years.
He was a faithful member of the Russellville Baptist Church, serving as Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent and as a Sunday School teacher.
Howard was a family man. He enjoyed having friends and family over, especially for Sunday dinners. He looked forward to the daily visits by his children, grandchildren and especially his great grandchildren, who could often be seen playing in his yard. His door was always open to welcome anyone who passed by.
Survivors include his two children and their spouses, Nancy and Terry Kruse and Mike and Debbie Wyss, all of Russellville; six grandchildren and their spouses, Kyle and Dena Kruse, Kelly and Jessica Kruse, Kayla and Clay Stewart, Aaron and Regina Wyss, Rachel Wyss and Elizabeth Wyss, eight great grandchildren, Hannah and Brady Kruse, Kannon Kruse, Mason, Josie, Hallee and Corianna Stewart and Lucy Wyss, also nephews, nieces, cousins and a host of friends.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Arthur, Herbert and Nobel Wyss and a sister, Naomi Wyss.
Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Thursday, May 5, at the Russellville Baptist Church with Rev. Dinzel Webb and Rev. John Glover officiating. Interment, with military funeral honors, will be in the Enloe Cemetery west of Russellville.
The family will receive friends from 4:00-8:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 4, at the Scrivner-Morrow Funeral Home in Russellville. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Russellville Baptist Church.