Russell Lee Paceley Jr.

Feb. 24, 1961 - Feb. 12, 2026

Date of Service: Feb. 28, 2026

TWIN FALLS – Russell Lee Paceley Jr., 64, of Twin Falls, Idaho, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

Russ was born on February 24, 1961, in Concord, California, the oldest son of Russell Lee Paceley Sr. and Donna Miller. He grew up in St. Joseph, Illinois, and later moved to Utah, where he graduated from Roy High School.

Russ had a passion for everything he did. He loved his work with animals and took great pride in his education as a graduate of Utah State University, where he studied Animal Science. He never met a stranger. Honest, fiercely loyal, and quick with a smile, he believed wholeheartedly that family always comes first. His sense of humor and ability to find laughter in almost any situation will be deeply missed.

From a young age, Russ was a protector of those he loved. As the oldest sibling, he first carried that role with his brother, David, and sisters, Dawn and Linda. That protective spirit continued throughout his life—in his marriage, as a father, and especially as a grandfather.

Russ loved sports in all forms and could recite statistics for nearly any player or team. He enjoyed classic Western films, especially those starring John Wayne. In his younger years, he attended St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Bears games with his dad, played baseball in the summer, ran cross country in middle school, raced quarter midgets, attended horse shows, and even rode bulls in the rodeo.

A lifelong devoted Christian, Russ held a deep reverence for the Lord. He joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he faithfully served in many callings, including Second Counselor in the Bishopric. His favorite calling might have been the one he gave himself, the unofficial greeter who was always shaking hands, offering a warm smile, and ensuring that everyone felt welcome.

Russ was briefly married to Gwen Branham. Though that marriage did not last, his love for her children never wavered.

On June 22, 1991, he married the love of his life, Merry Ellen Fletcher, in West Point, Utah. Together, they raised two children, Erin and Jacob. Though not related by blood, his devotion to them was unwavering—steadfast, enduring, and unconditional.

That same devotion only deepened as he embraced the joy of being a grandfather to eleven grandchildren. They lovingly called him Papa, a title he wore with pride and tenderness. He attended every football, basketball, and soccer game; dance recital, and cheering event where his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews were involved. His unending commitment to family is at the heart of his legacy.

Russ and Merry were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan Utah Temple on April 19, 2014. His life was a living testimony to his personal motto: “Family always comes first.”

Russ was one of a kind—a man whose heart was as generous as it was steadfast. Though his heart eventually gave out, his love and devotion will endure forever.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Merry Paceley; his mother, Donna Miller; his daughter, Erin (Lance) Nebeker; and their children, Dejianna Wilkinson, Dominic Fletcher, Tayva, Evella, and Everly Bass, Carter, Tanner, Bennett, and Kason Nebeker; son, Jacob Hancey; and his children, Eli and Ezra Hancey; and his siblings, David (Jamie) Paceley, Dawn (Donny) Ventrone, and Linda Challinor; as well as many nieces and nephews whom he deeply loved.

He was preceded in death by his father, Russell Lee Paceley Sr.; his dad, Bolton Ray Wilson; and brother-in-law, Greg Challinor.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Harrison Ward building, located at 667 Harrison Street, in Twin Falls. Family and friends will be received at the Church from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, February 27, and Saturday, one hour prior to the funeral. He will be laid to rest at West End Cemetery in Buhl, Idaho at noon.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/VHa-658pFis.