Russell Masterson

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Russell P. "Bat" Masterson Sr., 72, of Marble Hill passed away Oct. 27, 2011, at his residence.

He was born Sept. 28, 1939, in Senath, Mo., the son of Daniel T. and Ida Lewis Masterson. He and Wilma Bennett were united in marriage April 19, 2003.

Mr. Masterson retired from Verizon on Dec. 31, 1991, as a cable splicer, served on the Marble Hill City Council for seven years prior to him becoming mayor of Marble Hill in 2009. He was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include his wife, Wilma of Marble Hill; a son, Russell P. Masterson Jr. of Lake Villa, Ill.; a stepson, Travis Moody of Marble Hill; five daughters, Laura Ripley of Murphysboro, Ill., Pauletta Wagner of Three Rivers, Mich., Peggy Turnbough and Anna Parker, both of Cuba, Mo., Penny Lloyd of Lee's Summit, Mo.; a stepdaughter, Sandra Lehmann of Marble Hill; a brother, Bob Masterson of Calimesa, Calif.; a sister, Helen Laabs of Columbia Station, Ohio; 13 grandchildren; six stepsrandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by parents, seven brothers and three sisters.

Visitation will be after 4 p.m. Sunday at Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Luther Rhodes and Gary Shrum officiating. Burial will follow in Bollinger County Memorial Park Cemetery near Marble Hill.