 ACTON, RUSSELL URBAN age 86, passed away Sept. 25, 2013 in Provo, UT. Born to William and Irene Acton May 25, 1927 in Columbus, IN. He married the love of his life, Virginia Lee Birchfield, on Dec 31, 1950 in Columbus, IN. Russell converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1960 and served faithfully in many callings. Russ and Ginny's marriage was sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple, March 14, 1964. They spent most of their married lives in Albuquerque, NM before moving to American Fork, UT in 1999. Russell grew up in Columbus, IN and joined the U.S. Army Air Corps immediately after graduating high school. In the military, he participated in the Manhattan Project. When WWII ended, he earned a degree in Metallurgical Engineering from Purdue University and spent his career working at Oak Ridge, Los Alamos, and Sandia National Laboratories and was one of the world's foremost authorities in thermal conductivity helping develop materials for use in spacecraft, nuclear reactor safety, military applications, and many other projects. Russell truly had charity for all and lived his life without guile. He was an extremely devoted and attentive husband, father, and grandfather known for his wisdom, wit, humility, generosity, and kindness. He enjoyed inclement weather, photography, nature and astronomy, and hosting family dinners. Dogs everywhere recognized him as the leader of the pack. Russell is survived by Beverly O'Dell, Brian (Penny) Acton, Gregory (Leah) Acton, Russell Scott (Cheryl) Acton, and Allison (Todd) Wilson; 18 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one sister, Wilma "Billie" Acton. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia, their infant daughter Hope, and his brother Donald. Funeral Services will be held Monday, Sept. 30th at 11:00 a.m. in American Fork, UT at the LDS church at 455 East 300 North. Friends may call Sunday, Sept 29th from 6-8 p.m. at Anderson & Sons Mortuary, 49 East 100 North American Fork, and Monday from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Burial will follow in the American Fork Cemetery. Please share a message at andersonmortuary.com
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