Russell Nebeker Payzant

Russell Nebeker Payzant (97) passed away on February 19, 2017 in his residence surrounded by family members.  He had suffered the effects of declining health following a fall on December 25, 2016.

Russell was born in Spanish Fork, Utah on February 7, 1920.  When Russell was 15 years old, his father Lewis Payzant, died from an illness he contracted while serving in the US Army during World War I.

During the Great Depression years, with little means, Russell graduated from high school, attained the rank of Eagle Scout, and successfully completed master training in a new technical field as an aviation mechanic.   With the outbreak of World War II, Russell entered the US Navy and served honorably until November 16, 1945.  He was married to Betty Ruth Baker on September 10, 1943 in the Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah.  Together, they had four children: Russell Lewis, Thomas Lee, Joanne Louise, and Kevin Leroy.

With his own hands, he built the family’s first home in Burbank, California.  He entered the University of California at Davis and received a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture sciences in 1954.  He taught shop and agriculture at James Lick High School in San Jose, California and math at Andrew P. Hill High School in San Jose until the late 1960’s.  During the summers, he worked as a Park Ranger at Yellowstone National Park. He finished his teaching career working as a full-time substitute teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District in 1985.  After retirement, Russell and Betty served three full-time missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and eventually settled in Provo, Utah where Russell pursued his passions of Family History and wood-working. In September, 2015, they relocated to their final home in Spanish Fork, Utah, living with their daughter and son-in-law, who lovingly cared for Russell until his death.

Russell is survived by his wife of 73 years, Betty, their four children and their spouses, 19 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.

Russell will be buried next to his father in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.

Funeral Services will be held, Monday, February 27 at 11 a.m. at the LDS Chapel on 2188 East 100 South, Spanish Fork, UT.  Friends and family may call on Monday, from 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church.