Russell John Wheat

Russell John Wheat passed away October 19, 2012 in Tuscan, AZ.  Russell was born December 20, 1978 in Downey, Idaho, to parents Dave and Pandora Wheat. He was raised in Inkom and attended school at Inkom Elementary, Marsh Valley Middle School, and Marsh Valley High School, graduating in 1997.

            Russell served an LDS mission in Mexico City, Mexico. He loved Mexico and its people and returned to visit often.

            Upon completing his mission, Russell attended Idaho State University, graduating in 2004 with a degree in Political Science. He went on to graduate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, MI in 2007. Russell was sworn in to the Montana State Bar in October 2008 and worked as a special assistant to the attorney general.

            Russell was a free spirit and loved to travel. He visited much of Europe and South America and traveled extensively in Mexico and the United States, with Hawaii, South Carolina, and Montana being some of his favorite places. Russell made friends all over the world, and his charming personality will be missed by all.

            He was very passionate about life. He especially loved politics, and debating political issues with anyone who was willing. Some of his other passions included fishing, hunting, riding motorcycles, cooking, reading, and guns. Russell loved to learn and spent his life acquiring knowledge about the world around him, and encouraging others to do the same.

            Russell had a gift for living life to the fullest and making memories along the way. He once said, “I'm not sure what you like to do or how you enjoy yourself, but I find that I like to enjoy the journey.”

            Russell is preceded in death by his grandparents, Jim and Anne Wheat and Harold Schmidt, and by his uncle, Kevin Wheat. He is survived by his parents Dave and Pandora Wheat of Inkom, brothers David Wheat of Inkom, Bryan (Sara) Wheat of Dillon, Montana, Michael Wheat currently serving a mission in Bulgaria, and sisters Stephanie Wheat of Twin Falls, Alyson (Steve) Acheson of American Falls, and Lindsey Wheat of Pocatello. He is also survived by his grandmother, Anna Schmidt of Circleville, Utah and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

            Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 27 at 11:00 am at the LDS Church in Inkom, 973 Rapid Creek Road. Viewings will be held on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Arrangements are under the care of Davis-Rose Mortuary, 170 Idaho St, American Falls.

            In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted to the Russell Wheat Memorial Fund, set up at Ireland Bank.   Condolences and memories may be shared at www.davisrosemortuary.com.