Melvin R. Russell

Melvin Reed Russell, 81, born February 17, 1930, passed away January 27, 2012, at the Logan Regional Hospital in Logan, Utah.

Melvin was born in St. John, Utah, to W. Martell and Margaret Russell. He grew up working on the family ranch. He graduated from Tooele High School in 1948. Later, he attended Utah State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Social Sciences. Always one who appreciated education; he also received his Master of Education degree. He had professional associations with Phi Delta Kappa, and he was very involved with the Alcohol and Drug prevention programs. Melvin’s career as an educator included teaching at Providence Junior High School, Sky View High School, and Mountain Crest High School. His summer breaks were spent working in construction.

Melvin married Barbara Weyland on September 14, 1949, in the Salt Lake LDS temple. They shared a wonderful marriage for over 62 years. They were blessed with the opportunity to travel to many beautiful countries, most often on cruises. In total, they enjoyed 32 cruise vacations together. Their love of travel also took them across the entire United States. Mostly, they just loved spending time together. Melvin often told his children how their mom was the most beautiful woman and a wonderful wife.

Having an extremely strong work ethic and being a very determined individual served Melvin well as he endured many trials in his life. His lifelong desire to be a surgeon was left behind as he battled polio while in college. He continued to endure through many health issues throughout his life, never complaining or feeling sorry for himself.

Melvin was a wonderful father and grandfather. He always made each of his children and grandchildren feel that they could accomplish anything in life. He expected a lot of himself and a lot from others. He taught many important life lessons to his wife and family, always by example. He faithfully kept a personal journal for over 30 years. These journals will be a treasure to his family for generations to come. Melvin always put others first. Even in his last days, he worried how everyone else was doing.

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in many callings including: Elders Quorum president, membership clerk, and faithful home teacher. One of the callings he enjoyed most was that of being a temple worker. Melvin loved the temple and attended faithfully as long as his health allowed. He commented that one of his life legacies would be the temple work he had completed on behalf of so many others. He was an unbelievable example of faith and enduring to the end to his wife and family.

Melvin is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Barbara Russell; son, Craig (Patricia) Russell; daughters, Carol Lee Russell and Marilyn (Rodney) Anderton; brothers, Calvin Russell and LaMar (Marlyn) Russell; sister, Ann (Jack) Moser. He has 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson. Melvin was preceded in death by daughters, Cheryl Russell and Linda Zollinger; his parents, W. Martell and Margaret Russell; brothers, Bill Russell and Dan Russell.

The family wishes to extend a most heartfelt thank you to the following for their compassion in taking such excellent care of their beloved husband and father: Dr. Salisbury, Logan Nursing and Rehabilitation, Logan Regional Hospital, and their staffs. They also wish to thank neighbors, friends, and faithful ward members for their service.

A viewing will be held February 3, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center Street. Memorial services will be held at the same location on February 4, 2012, at 12:00 p.m., with viewing from 10:30-11:45 a.m. Interment will follow at the Logan City Cemetery.

Online condolences to the family may be posted at allenmortuaries.net.