Russell Lee Wilstead, 79, of Castle Dale, Utah, was called home to his Heavenly Father on October 15, 2024.

Russ was born on June 17, 1945 to the late Samuel Dodd and Mary Clarissa (Allred) Wilstead in Price, Utah. He is survived by his seven children, 19 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; children, Becky (Randy) Curtis, Russell (Lisa) Wilstead, Kris (Shaun) Bell, Tiffany (Allen) Bears, Katie Wilstead, Senna (Matt Taylor) Parker, and Daryl Parker; grandchildren, Gage (Jennica) Bell, Ashton (Colton Tracy) Bell, Samrah (Karson Liddell) Bears, Blake (Megan Swope) Wilstead, Zachary Curtis, Dannilee Bears, Khai Curtis, Cadence Wilstead, Nelson Wilstead, Audrey Curtis, Rock Bears, Waylon Olsen, Kylynn Rasmussen, Bailey Olsen, and Ruby Curtis; great-grandchild, Baby Josie Salazar; sister, Serita Snow; sister-in-law, Connie Wilstead; and numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Russ was the baby of his family with four older siblings, all raised in Castle Gate, Utah. He served an LDS mission in the New England States and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served in the Vietnam War and then retired as a Master Sergeant after 21 years of service. He was sealed to Ruby Leavitt August 29, 1969 in the St. George Temple and they had five children. They later divorced after moving their family to Castle Dale, Utah. He then started a career in hotel management where he met Denise Parker. They married on October 12, 1992 and Russ gained two more daughters; they later divorced.

While his kids were growing up their memories always include cowboy boots; Russ loved his cowboy boots and western clothing. Russ also loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and driving around to observe nature’s beauty. In his younger years, he loved church basketball; it was the only war started with a prayer. He served in many callings in the LDS church, he loved his Savior and had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Russ made friends everywhere he went, he was able to BS with the best of them. He had a kind heart and was willing and available to help anyone in need. Russ impacted the lives of many, he will be dearly missed.

Russ is preceded in death by both parents; siblings, Etova (John) Snow, Dodd Wilstead, Lyndon (Rita) Wilstead; brother-in-law, Sharpe Snow; and son-in-law, Cody Olsen.

Graveside service, Saturday, October 19, 2024, 2:00 p.m., at the Castle Dale City Cemetery in Castle Dale, Utah. The family will receive friends at the cemetery beginning at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Russell online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.