Col. (Ret)

Col. Russell LeMoyne Daisley, USAF (ret) passed from this life on November 22, 2011 at age 68 at the Life Care Center in Las Vegas. He was surrounded by his loving family and holding the hand of his schatz (treasure) of 47 years.

Russ was born in Greenville, PA July 9, 1943. He left directly after high school and embarked on a life of three passions: family, the Air Force, and sports.

Life held no greater joy for Russ than being with his family. He met, and married, a young German girl while stationed at Ramstein Air Base in 1965 and they began a journey that would last 47 years and raise three daughters. He was fiercely dedicated to 'my girls' and nothing brought him greater happiness. He was blessed with the opportunity to meet his first two great-granddaughters who were the joy of his life in his last years.

Russ dedicated the majority of his life to the US Air Force. He was a proud member of the Security Forces for 38 years. He entered the military directly after high school in 1961, retiring in 1999. Once on active duty he rose. He then chose to earn his commission as an officer becoming 2LT in 1973. His dedication paid off and he reached the rank of COL before retiring. COL Daisley was known for his loyalty and protection for the troops, and he remains deeply respected, loved, and feared by all those who had the privilege to work with him. The Air Force took him all over the world to include assignments in the continental US, Vietnam, Germany, England, and Turkey. Among his decorations for his service is theLegion of Merit and the Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster.

The third passion in Russ' life was sports. He loved all sports, especially football and basketball. Bringing together his service to the troops and love of sports, he coached the football teams at a number of duty assignments. He was also a basketball official for many years while serving in Europe. He was honored to be inducted into the USAFE Sports Hall of Fame for his dedication and hard work.

Russ is survived by his loving wife Erika Daisley; daughters Petra Salyer (George), Christine Ditzler, Tonya Grindle (Brenton), ; grandchildren Justin Salyer (Ali), Katharina Marchant (Clint), Samantha Ditzler, PVT Zachary Salyer, and Alexandra Ditzler; great-grandchildren Lillian Pittenger and Nikolette Salyer; sister Jean Zuschlag.

Russ is predeceased by his parents Arnold and Marie Daisley, brothers Thomas, Daniel and Donald Daisley, and son-in-law Gregory Ditzler. Russell Lemoyne Daisley will be greatly missed and forever loved by those who knew him. A burial service will be held on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 12:00 noon at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Boulder City Family Mortuary.