During World War II, while serving with the Infantry in Germany, Milton W Russon uttered this fervent prayer and promise..."Heavenly Father, if Thou wilt get me out of this mess, I will be an instrument in Thy hands to do whatever I can to help with the building up of Thy Kingdom." He has tried to keep that promise in both his spiritual and professional life.
Milton W Russon, age 78, passed away suddenly on Thursday, April 10, 1997 at home. A native of Lehi, Utah, born January 4, 1919, he is a son of Wilford H. And Clara Wing Russon. He married Karlyn Felt Chatfield, his childhood sweetheart, September 19, 1940 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.His church service included Home Teacher, Scoutmaster, Elders Quorum President, High Priest Group Leader and Quorum President, High Counselor, Bishop's Counselor, Bishop of the Val Verda Second Ward, Counselor in the Val Verda Stake Presidency, Mission President of the Southern Australia Mission, President of the Val Verda Stake, Regional Representative, President of the New Zealand Temple, a Sealer and Sealing Supervisor in the Salt Lake Temple and Bountiful Temple.
He was active in school government and athletics, having served as the Lehi High School Student Body President and President of the Future Farmers of America. He lettered in basketball, football, and track. He was recipient of the Eagle Scout rank.
In his chosen field of business, he was committed to a profession which enjoys a spiritual and sacred atmosphere. He was a founder and co-owner of Russon Brothers Mortuaries of Salt Lake City and Bountiful. He attended the College of Mortuary Science graduating in 1940. He served on the Board of Directors and as Vice President of the Utah Funeral Directors and Embalmers Association, director of the Salt Lake Exchange Club, Charter member and past President of the Bountiful Sertoma Club, Director in the Bountiful Area Chamber of Commerce, and currently the Chaplain of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers.
He is survived by his wife Karlyn of Bountiful; children, Milton W and Rebecca Russon of Bountiful, Kolene and Kenneth Webb of Centerville, Brent and Dianne Russon of Bountiful, Scott and Sherry Russon of Centerville, Paulette and Nephi Bierwolf of Bountiful; 28 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers and wives, Leo and Esther Russon of Sandy, and Dale and Mava Russon serving a mission in Oakland, California.
Funeral services will be held Monday, April 14, 1997 at 12:00 Noon at the Val Verda Stake Center, 2651 South 500 West, Bountiful. Family and friends may call Sunday evening from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main, and at the church on Monday from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Bountiful City Cemetery.
"The Golden Rule" and the words of one of our church hymns, "Do What Is Right, Let the Consequence Follow" have been guidelines in his life and he recommends them to all as a source of inner strength.
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