Russell Newton McLenon peaceful left this earth in the care of Hospice on June 27th, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of love and family who cares for him deeply.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Warren Russell McLenon and Polemon Estelle Forrester McLenon.

Russell was born February 2nd, 1942, to the late Warren Russell and Poleamon Estelle McLenon, right here in Arcadia, Florida. Russell was raised here in Desoto County where he loved to hunt and fish, with his brothers and just generally be outdoors. At a very young age, around 10 years old, Russell became a youth member of the First Baptist Church of Fort Ogden. Here, he regularly helped with church services, ushering the patrons and holding doors for those in need. Russell was a member of the Fort Ogden Baptist Church for over 74 years.

In 1958, when Russell was only 16 years old, he met his future wife on his local school bus. Russell was smitten and her asked out, but her father wouldn't let her go to the movies with him by herself. She, Russell and all her siblings piled into a Volkswagen Beetle to go to the local drive-in movie theatre. In no way did this discourage Russell and in 1961, he married Ms. Ola Croy.

Russell was mostly a quiet man, but as he got older, he seemed to enjoy talking with anyone who would stop and chat with him while he rode around town on his cherished golf cart. His cell phone also seemed to be an extension of him, and he loved to check the facts and find out for himself, "according to his smart phone." One hobby Russell really enjoyed doing was yard work, especially mowing lawns. He embraced this talent by helping others around his community and mowing lawns for anyone who needed it. He would also mow the roadside around town and local cemeteries on a regular basis out of kindness and his passion for yard work.

Over the years, Russell became very fond of animals, and he adopted over 20 cats. He loved and cared for every single one of them up until his passing. Each and every one of them were very special to him.

Russell is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ola "Bebe" McLenon; Son, William "Bill" McLenon; Daughter, Deborah McLenon Summey and her partner Timothy Mozroll; Brothers, Larry McLenon and Walter McLenon and his wife Sue; Grandchildren, Rachel Cooper and her husband Jake; Timothy "TJ" Mozroll Jr.; Great-grandchildren, Elyse and Aria; as well as many nieces and nephews whom he loved.

Russell will be remembered and missed by all who knew and loved him. His family will continue to cherish the memories they have of Russell so his memory will forever live on. 

Services for Russell will be held graveside at The Fort Ogden Cemetery on Friday, July 10th at 10:00 a.m. 
Service will be conducted by Pastor Wayne Ernest.
Flowers can be sent to Ponger Kays Grady Funeral Home.