Russell Clinton Mickelson

Lt. Col. Russell C. Mickelson

U.S. Air Force, Retired

We sadly announce the passing of our husband, father, and grandfather on February 18, 2026, at the age of 96. Russell C. Mickelson (Russ) was born on September 8, 1929, in Ephraim, Utah. He graduated from American Fork HS in 1947 and earned an accounting degree from Brigham Young University in 1954. He later received his MBA from the University of Utah in 1965. While attending BYU, he joined the Air Force ROTC and began a distinguished 28-year career as an Air Force pilot and contracting officer. 

He was deployed to Korea 1956-57 and to Vietnam 1968-1969, where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross after having flown 135-night combat missions as a Forward Air Controller in the “Candlestick Squadron”. Following his military retirement in 1983, Russ became the Director of Contracts for E.G.&G., in Las Vegas. His third career was as an adjunct professor of Business Management at the College of Southern Nevada from 1992 to 2020.

Russ was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served a two-year mission in the Eastern States Mission from 1952 to 1954 and faithfully served in bishoprics and numerous ward and stake callings throughout his life. A talented bass singer, Russ performed with the Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society for more than 20 years. He loved community theatre and enjoyed leading roles in Hello, Dolly! and The Wizard of Oz. He also served as a scout leader for the Boy Scouts of America and coached Little League Baseball for many years while his children were growing up. Russ was active in civic life as a member of the GOP Nevada State Central Committee and served as President of the Las Vegas Republican Men’s Club in 2008.

Russ is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Joy; his son, Richard Russell Mickelson (Megan); his daughters, Suzanne Lawrence (Jim), Linda McHale (Scott), Mary Bender (Barry), and Diane Camejo (Isaiah); nine grandchildren--Lindsey, Emily, Caroline, Holly, Charlotte, Archie, Harrison, Sarah and Garrett; his sister, Carol Bullock; and his brother, Douglas Mickelson

Funeral services will be on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 am at Magleby Mortuary in Manti. 
A viewing will be held prior to services at the Mortuary from 10:00 to 10:30 am. 
Burial will be in the Manti City Cemetery with Military Honors. 
Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, and Manti
An online guestbook can be found at www.maglebymortuary.com