OBITUARY Russell William Wallen of Labadie, MO departed this life in Creve Coeur, MO on Monday, March 6, 2023, having reached the age of seventy-three years, ten months and twenty-seven days. Russell was born in Overland, MO on April 7, 1949, son of Edgar Russell Wallen and Octa Alma Wallen nee Lampher. On March 6, 1970 he was united in marriage to Nhan Thi Vu and five children came to bless this union. Russell is survived by his wife, Nhan Wallen of Labadie, MO; by his children, Tuyet Rosen and husband, Brett, of St. Charles, MO, Tram Wallen of Gilbert, AZ, Kathleen Haney and husband, Dan, of O'Fallon, MO, Marie Wallen and husband, Josh, of Union, MO and Richard Wallen and wife, Elizabeth, of Kirkwood, MO; by one brother, John Wallen; by his sister, Bette McCarty and husband, Michael, of St. Louis, MO; by his grandchildren, Brandon and Alex Rosen, Ashton Dietrich, Ashley and Ava Wallen, Karis Haney, Mia Wallen and Tom and Tanner Perkins; by brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends. Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Octa Wallen; and by one brother, Niel Wallen. Russell was a Christian of the Catholic faith and member of St. Clare Catholic Church in St. Clair, MO. He was a proud member of Knights of Columbus Council 4667 in St. Clair, MO. Russell was proud to have served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, entering on July 13, 1970 and receiving his honorable discharge on February 17, 1972. After being discharged from the Army he went to work for the Department of Defense at the record center in both St. Louis, MO and Fort Knox, KY. His pastimes included doing carpentry and collecting and shooting guns. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy and he cherished the time spent with them. The love they shared and many precious memories they created together will be held dearly by them all. A kind and loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and treasured friend, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him. Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, March 18, 2023 at St. Clare Catholic Church in St. Clair, MO, with Father Eric Kunz officiating. Interment will be in St. Clare Catholic Cemetery in St. Clair, MO. Memorials may be made to Messengers of Fatima, St. Clair, MO.