Russell Edmond Hampton, age 91, of Raymore, Missouri, passed away October 11, 2025, at Sunrise Nursing and Memory Care, from heart failure. His cremated remains will be placed at Lobb Cemetery, Blue Springs, Missouri. No services will be held.

Russell was born on May 5, 1934, to Harry Edmunds Hampton and Ada Evelyn (Springmeyer) Hampton in Las Vegas, Nevada. His childhood was spent in Nevada, Missouri, and California. Russ is in the Hall of Fame for basketball at Bakersfield High School, where he was voted the Best Student Athlete.

After high school, Russell attended Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, where he played basketball and football. He was part of the 1953 basketball squad who won the Iowa State Championship. Russell then went on to UCLA, completing a Physical Education degree, a teaching credential, and playing football as a tight end and tackle. He played in the 1956 Rose Bowl, where the undefeated UCLA Bruins played Michigan State. Russell was inducted into Graceland's Hall of Fame for his athletic and coaching accomplishments.

Russell served in the United States Navy on the USS Bennington in San Diego, California, as active duty from 1956-58 and reserve duty from 1958-62. He played football at the Naval Training Center in San Diego in 1956 and also worked as a chaplain's assistant while in the Navy.

Russ's work-life consisted of coaching, teaching, sales, trucking, and athletic training. He began his career as a P.E. Instructor, football and wrestling coach at Citrus Junior College in Glendora, CA, from 1961-1962. He then moved to Washington State University as an assistant football coach from 1962-64 and finished his coaching career as an assistant at Stanford University from 1966-68.

Russell's inspirational coaches were Joe Kegler (Basketball at Bakersfield High), Dick Carter (Football and Basketball at Graceland College), and Red Sanders and Staff at UCLA (Football). Russ credits Billy Barns, assistant for Red Sanders at UCLA, as being directly responsible for his coaching jobs.

Most of Russell's life was lived in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Central Valley of California. But in 2012, he relocated to the Kansas City Area. Russ's faith became more important to him as he grew older. He received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in his mid-80s and began attending Abundant Life Church in Lees Summit, MO, for his last five years. His Kansas City move also included becoming an ardent Chiefs fan.

Russell is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Ada Hampton; sister, Marva Jean (Hampton) Lightner; brother, James Alan Hampton.

He is survived by half-sister, Sue Laughery of Boulder City, NV; daughters, Tacey Jane (Mark) Brewster of Lee's Summit, MO; Linda Gail (Kirk) Lovely of Hudson, WI; Judy Ann (Bill) Johnston of Aptos, CA; Cathy Lynn (Mario) Verduzco of Oviedo, FL; Beth Elaine (Thomas) Jackson of Liberty, MO; Brook (Bruce) Paul of Reno, NV; Courtney Dana (Keith) Adamo of Harrisonville, MO; Ashley Victoria Hampton of Bakersfield, CA (adopted); Honorary son, Christopher Robin Spalding of Pearl City, HI; two nephews, Edward Thomas Lightner and Michael Alan Hampton; 17 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, all with athletic and artistic talents.

Russ enjoyed playing handball throughout his younger adult years. He always enjoyed singing. In his later years Russell spent most of his time watching movies and listening to music, particularly opera. His favorite singers were Luciano Pavarotti, The Three Tenors, Maria Callas, Dana Winner, Celine Dion, and Neil Diamond. Among his favorite movies were The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, Ben Hur, Secretariat, Gladiator, Unfinished Life, Sleepless in Seattle, Once Upon a Time in the West, and Courage Under Fire.

Russ attributes his greatest successes to the health and well-being of his family. He will be greatly missed.

When Russ would sing for others, it was often 'Nature Boy'…

"There was a boy, a very strange, enchanted boy.

They would say he wandered far, very far, over land and sea.

A little shy, and sad of eye, but very wise was he.

And then one day, a magic day, he passed my way.

And while we spoke of many things, fools and kings, this he said to me,

The greatest thing you'll ever learn, is just to love and be loved in return."