Russel Lisonbee

Russel Lisonbee

January 8, 1951 – December 2, 2024

       It is with sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother, Russel Lisonbee.  He died peacefully at home, Monday, December 2, 2024, after a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with his loved ones.

            Russel was born January 8, 1951, in Mesa, Arizona, in Mesa Southside Hospital.  He was the 6th of 8 children born to Lorenzo Kenneth and Margaret Kleinman Lisonbee. He attended Mesa Public Schools: Emerson Elementary, Carson Junior, and Westwood High School.  He was on the track team in high jump, and involved in the choral program, where he was recognized as being able to sing very well. Russel had a beautiful voice and performed many musical numbers, and enjoyed singing in the Arizona Mormon Choir.  He served a fulltime mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Lima, Peru from 1969 to 1971, during which he experienced the massive 7.9 earthquake that took the lives of 70,000 people.  He attended Mesa Community College, Brigham Young University, and Arizona State University, where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. His graduate work was in Southern California at the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, with a Doctorate in Chiropractic, completing his training in April 1980.  He also received a teaching degree from the University of Phoenix, receiving a Bachelors in Biology.

            He loved to look at the night sky and point out the stars, planets, satellites and especially the moon to his sons and now his grandchildren. To them the moon is known as “Grandpa's Moon”. He also enjoyed the desert, especially in the spring. He loved hiking and camping.  Piano playing was a joy to him.        He very much loved reading and learning new things. Scripture-reading & studying was such a joy to him.  He enjoyed the studying of several languages.  He served faithfully in many church positions and truly loved everyone he served. He had guile toward no one.  He loved his friends & neighbors.  He had a special love for his patients.  His family was his main focus in life. He loved them all dearly and spoke often of how proud he was of each of them. He loved being a father and a grandfather. He also enjoyed getting together with his siblings, who loves dearly.

            He married Becky Lee Reed on October 1, 1974 in the Los Angeles Temple. They were happily married for 50 years.  They have 4 sons, who loved and respected their father. His boys were such a joy in his life as he loved seeing the things they accomplished, and going to their scouting events, their sports games, and their musical concerts, etc. 

            He is survived by his loving wife, Becky; their 4 sons and their families:  Reed & Jannie: Natelle, Levi, Asher, Ruby, Samira, & Maisie; Darrell & Brooke: Kayla Mecca, Kayson Mecca, Callie, Addie, & Avery;  Adam Karl;  Troy & NaTosha: Fenn, Banks, & Liv.   Also survived by his beloved siblings, James, Lee Anne Whittaker, Robert, Peggy Glass, Kathy Willson, Joan Sowards, & Tammy Duthie. 

            Viewing will be held at 920 S. Lindsay Rd. (Lindsay/Pueblo) from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 13, 2024 .  On Saturday morning a viewing will also be held at

 940 E. Southern Ave. at 9:00 a.m. prior to the funeral service, which will be held at 10:00 a.m.  Interment at the Mesa City Cemetery.  Arrangements handled by Horizon Funeral Care.

            Russel's family would like to thank everybody for showing such kindness, care, and compassion during these 23 months of his illness.  He felt so much love. It was very much appreciated.