Russell Lee Claybaker of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away Friday, August 25, 2023, in Prairie Ridge in Overland Park at the age of 74 years.

Russell Lee Claybaker was born on August 24, 1949, in Independence, Kansas, to Wayne Clifton and Hilda Lolita (Ramhorst) Claybaker. He grew up on a farm in Chautauqua County, Kansas, twenty miles west of Independence. In late summer of 1956 the family moved into Independence to make their home. Russell attended elementary and high school in Independence and while in school delivered newspapers to the local residents. He furthered his education by receiving and engineering degree in 1973. On May 31, 1975, he married Debbie Burns and they settled in Salina, Kansas, before moving to Kansas City where he was employed by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. He enjoyed fishing and hunting both pheasant and deer. He also enjoyed fall camping trips to Lake Tenkiller in Oklahoma with friends from Independence. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. Following retirement his main interest became his pet dog, Jenks.

A memorial graveside service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 9th in the Blackwell Cemetery with Pastor James Bozarth of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating.