PLEASANT VIEW-- Lt. Colonel Robert Rich Russell, USAF (retired), 67, beloved husband, father and grandfather returned to the arms of his Father in Heaven September 4th, 2000 following an extended illness.
He was born July 3, 1933 in Columbus, Ohio to George Oscar Russell and Oertel Rich Russell.
Robert married Ellen Jane Clendenin on August 22, 1952 in Oxford, Ohio. The marriage was later solemnized in the Provo LDS Temple on August 1st, 1972.
He graduated from BYU and earned a Masters Degree in Political Science from Auburn University. He also was a graduate of Air Command and Staff College where he also taught. He was a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national Political Science Honor Society. Robert served his country as a pilot and navigator in the United States Air Force for 21 years of active duty, which included a tour of duty in Vietnam.
Among his many awards were the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service and the Air Medal for Meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.
He enjoyed reading, camping, shooting sports and his family. An accomplished public speaker, Robert used his considerable knowledge and skills to help many of his fellow veterans. Their needs were close to his heart.
An active member of the LDS Church, Robert served in the bishopric, as a Gospel doctrine teacher, home teacher, Sunday school teacher and Young Men advisor. He had a great love for and knowledge of the scriptures.
Robert is survived by his wife of 48 years, Ellen Jane Clendenin Russell; daughters Alison (Lynn) Stromberg, Carlin (David) Goff, Maren (Lee) Ensign, Christina Thornton; and son William Andrew Russell. He has 13 grandchildren who love him very much. One sister Janath (Ted) Cannon and his mother-in-law, Mrs. Marjorie Clendenin, also survive him. His parents and one sister preceded him in death.
A graveside service where military honors will be accorded will be held Thursday, September 7, 2000 at 1 p.m. at Utah Veterans Memorial Park, 17111 So. Camp Williams Road, Bluffdale, Utah. Funeral directors, Myers Mortuary in Ogden.