Person:John Nelson (68)

Deseret Morning News, 09/15/05

John Aaron Nelson "Johnny" John Aaron Nelson, age 89, passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2005, following head trauma caused by several recent falls. He was born to Joseph G. and Almeda Giles Nelson, January 17, 1916, in Preston, Idaho, the last of 12 children. After attending public schools in Preston he attended Utah Agricultural College (USU) in Logan, graduating with a degree in English in 1937. John married Nyena Shepherd on August 7, 1936, in the Salt Lake Temple. After his graduation, they moved to Salt Lake where he began a lifelong association with Standard Oil (Chevron Texaco), working first in service stations, then the central warehouse, and finally in the credit department. After retiring, he worked for Appliance Service Center/Time and Instrument Co. for many years. John and Nyena have two daughters, Patricia and Catherine. The family also included "Uncle Joe," his "kid brother" Joseph D. Nelson. He loved to take his family camping to places like Yellowstone and the Utah Parks. Later in life he enjoyed camping with his children and their families. John was a faithful member of the LDS Church, serving as elders' quorum president, ward clerk, in the high priest group leadership. He was always supportive of his family's church callings, helping with the ward Relief Society, and delighting in traveling with Nyena and Pat on Tabernacle Choir tours. John lived and loved to serve the Lord by serving others and making them happy. During the last few years, he often worked at welfare square in the cannery and the bakery, as recently as two weeks ago. John is survived by his daughters Patricia (Ronald) Madsen and Catherine, both of Salt Lake, eight grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nyena, his parents, and all of his brothers and sisters. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 17, 2005, at the Foothill 1st Ward Chapel, 1930 S. 2100 East, at 11:00 a.m. There will be a viewing at the Church from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to the services. Thanks to the nursing staff at University Medical Center for helping make his passing peaceful. Interment at the Logan City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Larkin Mortuary. Published in the Deseret News on 9/15/2005.