By Tim SchmidtRecord Managing EditorWhether it was as a state legislator, business owner or community leader, Russell Brockfeld was always willing to help others.Friends and family members say that generosity will not be forgotten following his death.Brockfeld passed way Aug. 3 at his home in Warrenton. He was 87.He served in the Missouri House of Representative for a series of 10 consecutive terms from 1973 to 1993. The Republican from Warrenton also was the minority whip from 1974-1977 and the minority floor leader from 1977-1981.Following his departure from the Legislature, Brockfeld remained active in community and veterans issues.“He always wanted to help other people,” said Brockfeld’s wife, Janis Meyer. “Every time anyone had a problem, they came to him. He tried his best to help them. He really helped a lot of people.”He also served in the U.S. Army during World War II. His numerous past business interests included owning Warrenton Tire and Muffler, Warrenton Oil Company and Fellowship Nursing Home.Brockfeld always had a desire to help the people he represented, according to Charlie Nordwald.“He leaves us a legacy of patriotism and love of state and community and an incredible passion for the campaign and legislative process,” Nordwald said. “He was a good patriot. He left us with a lot of good things and a lot of legacies.”Nordwald will cherish the memories he shared with Brockfeld.In 1977, despite having no experience or college degree, Brockfeld hired Nordwald to manage the oil company and handle bulk deliveries. Six years later, Nordwald said he decided to pursue his own career in the auction business.“He said if you need anything call me,” said Nordwald, who eventually replaced Brockfeld as state representative. “It would have been easy for him to be bitter. He trained me for six years and could have said, ‘Why are you leaving me?’ He encouraged me. He said you will do fine but yet he left the door open if I needed anything.”Brockfeld was an active member of the Warrenton VFW Post 2180, holding offices such as all-state commander and national deputy chief of staff. He also was a member of the Warrenton Elks Lodge, Masonic Lodge, American Legion and Shrine and Scottish Rite. In 2000, Brockfeld was the first recipient of the Warrenton High School Outstanding Alumni award.Longtime VFW member Harold Ellis said Brockfeld was always someone who could be counted on.“He was very charitable,” Ellis said. “He was a very helpful guy. He was very active, always up front and he was a very thorough man.”Funeral services were held Wednesday with burial in Warrenton City CemeteryBrockfeld is survived by his wife, four children, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The family is asking for donations to be made to the Mexico Veterans Home or to Friedens United Church of Christ in care of Pitman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 126, Warrenton, MO 63383.Russell Brockfeld