Russel A. Cahoon

Salt Lake City, UT - Russel Adelbert Cahoon, 73, of Salt Lake City Utah was reunited with his Heavenly Father; parents; and his wife, Janice peacefully in the early morning hours of October 28, 2023. 

Russel was born in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 25, 1950 to Blaine Vernon and Rose Mae Cahoon. He was the last of six children, Burton, Gene, Joan, and two twin brothers who died at birth, Daniel and George.

As a child Russel’s family moved several times. He lived in Las Vegas, Deseret, Lyndale, Delta, and then moved back to Las Vegas for his formative years. During his teenage years Russel developed a love of scouting, earning his Eagle Scout and two palms. He often looked back at the friendships he created and the mentors that taught him in scouting. Many of these lessons were used throughout his life’s journey. Russel was very active in his church callings as a teenager and was deeply committed to them. He would often say, if it wasn’t for scouting and church, his life would have been much different. It was a positive difference in his life, and was the foundation to helping him through the difficulties of life. 

Russel would later serve an LDS mission to the Cumorah New York mission from 1969 to 1971. During that time Russel made many friends and taught many new members. His memory of his mission was sharp. It made such an impression on him he would often use the lessons and stories to establish moments of insight. 

After his mission Russel knew his draft number was coming up and thought it would be a good idea to join the Army and get the opportunity to pick what he wanted to do, rather than it being picked for him. He served three years in the Army as a Military Policeman, 18th Military Police Brigade, 716th Battalion, C, Company. He served a year in Vietnam and the remaining two years stateside. Russel was proud of his service, but even more so later in life.

On April 8, 1977, Russel married Janice Barton in the Salt Lake Temple. They were married for almost 44 years. During that time they had three children (Jared, Justin, and Jenna), and 9 grandchildren.

Professionally, Russel worked for General Communications for over 30 years. He was an expert in professional audio and video systems, installing and servicing hundreds of audio and video systems nationwide in LDS Church ward houses and schools. He would later manage the company inside sales team. Before Russel retired, he took a job with the Department of Veterans Affairs and worked for a few years helping veterans, like himself, with finding the benefits they earned during their service. Russel found this job very fulfilling and was grateful that he had the opportunity to serve his fellow veterans. 

Russel and Janice would go on to live a few years in Magna and build a house in West Jordan, which they lived in for over 35 years. They loved their community and Church Ward(s). They developed lifelong friendships, many of whom still live there today. Russel was eternally grateful for those who showed him compassion and love. He truly loved you and wouldn’t have made it through difficult times without you.

On February 11, 2021, Janice preceded Russel in death. He lost a lifelong partner and friend. Russel would often comment how much he missed Janice, thinking of her often. Later in life they were not often apart from each other, which made it difficult for Russel to live apart from her.   

The last few years of Russel’s life he resided at the William E. Christoffersen Salt Lake Veterans Home. In a lot of ways Russel found a second life. If you knew Russ, you knew he liked people and was a talker. He developed many new friendships at his new home. Russel loved to play card games, puzzles, and when it was around, hang out with the baby albino joey (Kangaroo). Russel’s family would like to thank the many veterans, nurses, doctors, and staff who helped make Russel’s last few years as comfortable as possible. We appreciate the tears you shed with us and the stories of Russel. We could tell he was loved and appreciated, not just as a resident, but as a friend.    

Russel is survived by his two sons, Jared (Kathryn), Justin (Jennifer); daughter, Jenna Rae (Josh); brother, Burton (Pat); sister, Joan; sisters-in-law, Julia Campbell (Rod), Marilyn Epson (Chris); brother-in-law, Robert Barton; nine grandchildren, Kennedy, Emma, Ailey, Chase, Lauren, Mya, Tobie, Porter, and Miles. Russel was preceded in death by his wife, Janice; his parents, Blaine and Rose; brothers, Gene, Daniel, and George; parents-in-law, Rex and Zola; and brother-in-law, Steve Ames.

A viewing will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building located at 6673 South Clernates Drive, West Jordan, UT 84081

Graveside services will be held Tuesday, November 7th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Utah Veterans Memorial Park, 17111 South Redwood Road.