William Mallard Russell

June 4, 1915 - March 29, 2012

Our precious father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, William Mallard Russell, 96, kissed his sweetheart and made his passage to well-deserved and peaceful rest on March 29, 2012. Born in Everton, Arkansas, on June 4, 1915, to Ambrose Roger Russell and Alma Jane Mallard. Dad “hopped a freight train” during the great depression and sought his fortune in California, where he met and married his sweetheart and wife of 72 years, Liberty. Dad proudly graduated from Central High School in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He loved “mechanical drawing” and “glee club,” and had the most beautiful handwriting and baritone voice. Mother and Dad moved their three little girls in a tiny trailer to Utah in 1951. He has always called the home he built and the trees Mother planted his “Heaven on Earth.” Dad worked for many years as the “plant engineer” at Peter Pan Bakery. His favorite expression in recent years – used to express his unconditional zest for life – was “Heaven Can Wait.” And wait it did, until Thursday, March 29th, when he kissed his wife a temporary farewell and forged ahead to light our way, as he always has. Dad’s unwavering faith in God, his simplicity, his honesty, his love of nature, and rollicking humor are perpetual gifts to each of us, his family and many others who love him. Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Liberty; his only son, Bill; his daughters Jan (and the late Manuel) Nunes, Patricia Russell, Sharee (and Don) Kimball, and Rebecca Russell, as well as his first grandchild, Lisa Dorius, his most recent great-granddaughter Catherine Graves, and many other equally beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded by his faithful black lab, Jake, who never let Dad out of his sight. Dad loved us all so well and we love him so much in return. Our favorite sound in the world is the sound of his tires driving up the road after work and honking his horn seven times. The family would like to thank Brandi, Mayte, Camille, Johnny and others for their tender care. A celebration of his life will be held at the Church of Christ Murray Park, 494 East 5300 South, on Thursday, April 5, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Dad’s hope is for a donation to the Jimmy Carter Foundation or a charity of choice.