Russell Keith Lexa

Russell, the son of Steve and Ida Mae Lexa, was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose steady presence and kindhearted nature enriched the lives of everyone who knew him. A proud U.S. Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War, he carried his sense of duty, resilience, and quiet strength throughout his life.

He was the owner and operator of Lexa’s Welding and Repair, where he built not only a respected business but also lifelong relationships through his craftsmanship, integrity, and willingness to help anyone in need.

Born with a natural gift for working with his hands, Russell found joy in all things mechanical—there wasn’t anything he couldn’t build or fix. He had a lifelong passion for race cars and spent countless hours rebuilding classic cars, breathing new life into each one with patience and skill. He loved the outdoors and especially cherished time spent boating on Lake Powell, a place where he created many of his happiest memories. Russell also had a tender heart for animals—particularly dogs—who were always a beloved part of his life.

Russell is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Betty Lou Lexa; his daughters, Jaimie Lexa (married to Joe Leo) and Wendy Lexa; and his grandchildren, Olivia Leo, Liam Leo, and Meghan Lexa. He is also survived by his brother, Daniel Lexa (with wife Carolyn), and his sister, Karen Hedemark (married to Mike Hedemark).

He was full of love, kindness, humor, bravery, adventure, knowledge, and compassion. He built amazing things and lived an amazing life to the fullest—always with a smile, a joke, or a helping hand. He will be remembered for his kind heart, his unwavering work ethic, and his ability to find joy in simple moments. Russell’s legacy lives on in the family he loved, the friendships he cherished, and the many lives he touched through his knowledge, generosity, and warmth.

A celebration of his life will be planned by the family at a later date.