(November 16, 1936 – April 9, 2015)
Richard Aksel Christensen passed away Thursday, April 9, 2015, of natural causes. He passed peacefully in his sleep in his favorite chair. He was 78 years young.
Richard was born on November 16, 1936, to Aksel Julius Christensen and Mary Martha Colf Christensen. He grew up in Hall, New York. He worked at the Chevrolet dealer as a young man, and drove a business man’s coupe. He graduated from Geneva High School, in Geneva near Hall.
He was introduced to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ by two young missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at the age of 20. After receiving the missionary discussions, and making changes to his lifestyle, he was baptized and confirmed a member.
One year later, he qualified to serve and was called to be a missionary in the Central States Mission. He spread his enthusiasm for the restored church throughout his mission field. Richard’s testimony of the gospel and the church was strong and unwavering to the end.
Shortly after his mission, he moved to Southern California, where he met a beautiful young woman, Karla Allred. Richard and Karla were sealed for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles Temple.
Karla preceded him in death at the age of 82, passing away of natural causes on August 7, 2014. Richard also married DeAnna Hunt Cowley and was sealed to her for time and all eternity in the St. George, Utah Temple. DeAnna preceded him in death in 2007 of complications of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy for breast cancer associated with down-winder’s Syndrome.
Throughout his life, Richard held many responsible positions in the church.
Richard is survived by his elder brother, William Otto Christensen of Cedar City; two sons, Dean and Brent; two daughters, Nancy Starkey and Richele Nold; two step-sons, Jamie and Johnny Cowley; one step-daughter, Monica Cowley Burton; six grandsons, six granddaughters, and one great granddaughter, and several step-grandchildren.
Funeral Services
- Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 17, at 11 a.m. at the Pine View Stake Center, 595 North 2450 East, St. George.
- A viewing will be Friday, at 10 a.m., prior to services at the chapel.
Everyone who knew Richard is cordially invited to attend.
This passing came as a shock and surprise to his children, and as no provisions were made by Richard, they find themselves unprepared financially. Anyone who feels so inclined to make a donation towards his funeral expenses may do so at Spilsbury Mortuary, and his children thank you in advance.
Friends and family are invited to sign Richard’s online guestbook at the Spilsbury Mortuary website.