Russell Melvin "Blues Man" Allen, Sr., 83, of Richmond, passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond.

Russell was born on November 6, 1941, in Des Moines, IA, the son of Leo and Edith (Coleman) Allen.  He was united in marriage to Mildred J. Cole of Richmond on June 19, 1960.  To this union, five children were born.  They later divorced and she preceded him in death on July 2, 2020.  Russell married Glendora Barnes/Ellington from Omaha on July 10, 1998; she survives of the home.

Survivors include: children: Russell Melvin Allen, Jr., Mildred Rebecca Allen, Verda Rene` Allen, Jameson Nathional Allen, and Prince Alonzo Allen; two stepsons, Donald (Latoya) Ellington, Jr. and Damon (Chiffon) Ellington; uncle, Lester Allen; immediate grandchildren: Kameo Lewis, Antonio Allen, Mark Ingraham, Stephone Allen, Tre Allen, Keanna Allen, Kobe Allen, Johnathan Allen, Dakota Allen, Donald Ellington, III, Shikola Ashby, JaChaun Laravie, Myles Jones, Adelynn Ellington, Memphis Ellington, Adrean James, and Ny'Didi Barnes; many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, and aunts; and special friend, Florence Cole.

In addition to his parents, Russell was preceded in death by two sisters, Beverly Allen and Anna Coleman, brother, Leonard Hudson, stepson, Edwin Barnes, grandson, Chase Jones, and great-granddaughter, Zavara Taylor.

Russell was a devoted man of faith who deeply believed in the Lord.  He was a member of St. John's CME Church in Richmond, under the leadership of Rev. Faith Allen, and later attended Second Baptist Church with Rev. Alvin Dixon until his health declined.

As a child, Russell moved to Excelsior Springs, where he lived with his uncle, Leon "Biggie," and attended half a year of kindergarten.  He later relocated to Rayville to live with his uncle, Arthur Patton, commuting by cab to Richmond for school.  He attended Lincoln for grade school and proudly graduated from Richmond High School in 1959.

Russell was a trailblazer in his youth, becoming the first African American to attend the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Convention in 1956.  His strong work ethic led him to various jobs, starting with Swafford Cleaning Cabs and the Chevrolet Dealership, where he worked in vehicle cleaning.  He later worked for Bruening Landscaping and Lake City Ammunition Plant before beginning a long and dedicated career with MoDOT.  Serving as a crew leader, he worked for 28 years before retiring in 2001. Russell was a fifty year plus member of the John W Carter Masonic Lodge #180. He was an active member and served as a past master of the lodge.

Beyond his work, Russell was known for his kind spirit, unwavering faith, and love for his family and community.  He never met a stranger and always had a story to share or a helping hand to offer.  His legacy of perseverance, kindness, and dedication will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Though he will be deeply missed, the impact he made on the lives of others will never be forgotten.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to John W. Carter Lodge #180.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at St. John's CME in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 12:00 P.M. with services to follow at 1:00 P.M.  Interment will be in Richmond Memory Gardens.  Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of arrangements.  Please remember to share your memories of Russell with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.