Russel B Dalton

Russel B. Dalton, Our wonderful Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, and Son passed peacefully from this life in the early morning hours of June 7th 2021 following a long and courageous battle with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease. He never lost that fight, only surrendering when he decided it had been enough. He passed from this life wrapped in the arms of his loving wife. His last days were spent visiting with close family and friends whom he loved so much, and giving instructions on how to fix the boat, build the sheds, fix the sprinklers, and build the deck that he had planned out. He can rest easy knowing that he did all he could to take care of his sweetheart on Earth and can now start on preparing a place in Heaven.

Russ has been a fighter from the very beginning. Born June 21st 1957 in Panguitch Utah to Ward and Mary Dalton. His parents were told that their new little premature son may not survive. So, with instructions to keep him warm, His mother took him home and made a little bed near the stove for him. The family of eight watched and waited to see if their new little guy would pull through. Every morning his siblings would kiss him goodbye as they left for school in case he didn’t make it until the end of the day. Of course, if they had known who they were dealing with, they would have known not to worry. Russ continued to thrive and turned into a rough and tumble little boy that loved to help his dad work on the farm, go with is mom to work in the diner, and ride his bike through the streets of his rural hometown in Circleville with many close friends.

Russ learned many valuable lessons from his Dad and his Older Brothers about how to fix and build anything and everything from cars to farm equipment. He carried this knowledge throughout his life and became renowned for his amazing abilities and sharp mind. There was nothing he couldn’t fix. If he didn’t know how to accomplish something, you can bet he would figure it out. His formal education began at Piute Elementary school and commenced until, as he loved to tell us, his school burnt down to the ground partway through his elementary education. All of the children had to meet in a one room gymnasium as they rebuilt the school. From there he attended Piute High School where he loved to play basketball. There are many interesting stories from Russ’s high school days (many of which he denies). If you can catch one of his old friends you may be able to hear some of the “rumors”. Suffice it to say that Russ was a daredevil and a good friend who will be deeply missed by many. He graduated from high school in 1975 and went on to attend SUU. He only attended for one year before realizing that he already possessed the skills he needed to make him successful in life. So, he went out into the workforce where he was always recognized for his excellent work ethic and incredible abilities.

It was about this time that He drove through Parowan Utah while on a job and spotted, as he would say, the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. He inquired about the girl working at the Dairy freeze and discovered that she was a bit too young at that time (him being 5 years her senior). Later he would say that it’s a good thing he didn’t ask her out at that time because Roy would have “kicked his butt”. Unfortunately for Russ, the next time he saw Paula she was already married and expecting a baby. As fate would have it, however, they were meant to be together. Just a few years later, Russ and Paula would get a second chance when they were set up on a blind date by some close friends and family. They were married on December 14th, 1985 in Cedar City, Utah. This would also be the day that he became a Daddy to his first daughter, Brittany. Two years later they would welcome a son, Brendan, into the world. Shortly thereafter they became an eternal family and were sealed for time and all eternity in the St. George LDS temple on May 4th 1988. What a comfort it has been to know that this life is not the end, and that Heavenly Father has a plan for Russ and his family that includes them being together forever. Two children soon followed, a girl, Jaci. And a son, Landon, that would complete their family. Russ worked so incredibly hard to take care of the people he loved. No matter the pain he was in, he got up every day and went to work. His determination and grit continues to be an example and a standard by which to live for all of his posterity. Russ and his family moved from Cedar, to Yuma, to Richfield, to Santaquin, to Spanish Fork, and then finally back to Cedar where they settled into their final home. Here they made many lifelong friends that they are so grateful for.

Russ was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he served in many capacities from Scout Master to Bishopric. His service wasn’t limited to church callings however. He was a very generous man who gave much of his time and his many talents to neighbors, friends, family, and strangers. Everyone who knew him could tell you of a time that he served them in some way. He would quite literally give the shirt off his back to anyone who was in need. Many didn’t realize the struggles he went through every day as he pushed on without complaint or thought for Himself. When his mother aged to the point where she could no longer live on her own, Russ built an addition onto his home. Complete with an accessible bathroom and all of the comforts he could provide, and moved her into his home to care for her until her passing only 2 years ago.

His many hobbies are too numerous to list, but a few that he truly loved were flying planes and building his beloved chopper motorcycle from the ground up. His last weeks were spent building a shop in his backyard and planting rose bushes. He got to visit his favorite store (The Home Depot) several days before leaving this world. On top of it all he was a fantastic landscaper and Gardner and always kept his yard looking so beautiful with the help of his beloved wife. Throughout his life he always dreamt of being “his own boss”. He achieved this dream in 2007 with the opening of Western Powder Coating. He built this into a successful business into which he poured his blood, sweat, and tears. He worked almost every day until his retirement in 2020, amazing us all with his determination and ability to work through his pain. Our only regret for him is that he didn’t get more time to rest and enjoy His time off.

Russel’s illness took many things from Him including his physical abilities, quality of life, and years that we wish He would have had, but it never took his incredible mind, his dignity, or the love he had for His family. He leaves behind the love of His life and eternal companion, Paula Jean Dalton. His four devoted children, Brittany (Whitney) Houston, Brendan Russel Dalton, Jaci (Dustin) Gillies, and Landon Roy Dalton. His Brothers, Howard (Connie) Dalton, and Ross (Leslie) Dalton, and his sister Elouise Coates. As well as 13 grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and other loving family members. He is preceded in death by both of his parents, Ward and Mary Dalton; His brother Roland (Maurine) Dalton; His sister Kathleen (Wayne) James; as well as his father-in-law William “Roy” (Jackie) Benson and brother-in-law Doug (Elouise) Coates. We know that the gathering on the other side of the veil was a wonderful and long-awaited reunion.

Russel will be deeply and profoundly missed. His passing has left an ache in our hearts that will only subside when we are wrapped in his embrace once again. We can only imagine that he is organizing all of the tools in heaven as he prepares to build his sweetheart the most incredible mansion. Finally free from the body that held him back from doing all of the things that he wanted to do. We look forward to the day when we are all together once again.

His family would like to thank all of those who have expressed their sympathy and given service in this difficult time. You have all been truly wonderful and an example of Christlike love. Please continue to pray for Paula as she navigates this earthly journey without her companion by her side. We would also like to thank Southern Utah Mortuary, Mandy Hatch with Applegate Home Health and Hospice, Dr Ryan Workman, Jamie Cox, and many other doctors throughout the years for the beautiful and heartfelt care that was provided to our beloved Russel. A viewing will be held Friday June 11th from 6-8 P.M. at Southern Utah Mortuary. A second viewing will be held in the Fiddlers Canyon Chapel from 9-10:30 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. He will be interred at the Cedar City Cemetery following the funeral service. Services are under the care of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences can be sent at www.sumortuary.com

A zoom meeting will be held at the following link

https://zoom.us/j/98391618518?pwd=Z0VYYmliNXdCcVhkMlAzc3VVd2xSdz09