Chad Charles Nelson Sr.
1925~2022
Chad Charles Nelson Sr. passed peacefully in his Riverton, Utah home at 9:25 a.m., Friday, February 25, 2022, attended by his wife, Elaine, and son, Chad (Chuck) Charles Jr.
Chad was born at home in Redmond, Utah, Wednesday, February 11, 1925. He was the second of ten children born to Hilton and Cleo Nelson. At birth, the household consisted of his parents, grandmother Thora, and brother Wayne. Between 1927 and 1945 siblings Reese, Ruel, Stanton, Terrel, Garn, Grace, Cliff, and Iris were added to the family. Chad and his siblings were raised on their parents’ farm and lived adjacent to the home of Uncle Elmer and Aunt Margaret Nelson. The children tended to the needs of farm animals, equipment, and crops which provided their living. Hilton’s and Cleo’s task of raising a growing family while tending a large farm and cattle operation was assisted by Cleo’s Aunt Caroline and Uncle Erastus Christensen, known by all as Auntie and Uncle Rass. Chad grew up a happy farm boy surrounded by family, caring neighbors, and friends. He graduated Class of 1943, North Sevier High School in Salina.
In November 1943, Chad was inducted into the United States Army and sent to Portland for basic training. He was permanently assigned to the 1633rd Engineer Photomapping Platoon and shipped to Honolulu where the company was attached to the 64th Engineer Topographic Battalion for the duration of the war. From Honolulu and then to the island of Guam, the platoon was tasked with the production of topographical battle maps for advancing U.S. Armed Forces. At the conclusion of hostilities, the platoon was shipped to Tokyo for service with the Allied Occupation Forces of Japan where Chad witnessed the aftermath of a long and destructive war. He was discharged in April 1946.
In May 1947, on a joyride to Emery with his life-long friend, Grandon Nelson, Chad and Grandon met Elaine Pixton and Pauline Simonsen, both of Emery. Chad married Elaine in Elko, Nevada on February 11, 1948, attended by Grandon and Pauline, who previously wed.
Chad and Elaine made their first home in Garfield, Utah, where Chad entered employment with Kennecott Copper Corporation. However, longing for the small community farm life, Chad, Elaine, and infant daughter, Sandy, returned to Redmond where daughters Sherri and Julie were born in 1949 and 1951, respectively. Finding it difficult to provide a living for their growing family, they relocated briefly to Holladay and Magna before establishing their family home in 1954 in South Salt Lake.
Chad and Elaine were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple with their three small daughters, June 29, 1955. Between 1955 and 1964, Chad Jr., Kerry, and Brent were born. Chad entered employment with the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) in 1958. He served twenty-nine years in the engineering department helping establish the new interstate system in Salt Lake County, Sevier County, and surrounding counties.
Chad was called as Elders Quorum President of the Millcreek 12th Ward, then first Bishop of the Millcreek 3rd Ward in 1962, then second counselor to President James R. Clegg of the Millcreek Stake Presidency. He served in this position until 1974 when the family relocated to Draper. Chad, Elaine, and their sons had horses, a milk cow, small farm animals, and a large garden, spending many hours on horseback in the foothills and mountains surrounding Draper. Chad served in many church capacities including High Priest Group Leader and High Councilor.
After their sons were raised, Chad and Elaine returned to Redmond in 1984. Chad retired from UDOT in the summer of 1987 and the couple immediately left for their full-time Missouri St. Louis Mission. In 1993 they moved to South Jordan to be near their children. Although they moved from Redmond for the final time, Chad and Elaine loved their Redmond home, friends, adventures, and memories. Chad remained true to his Redmond roots throughout his life. In 1993, they were called to the Tennessee Nashville Mission. These mission years were highlights of their lives together. Chad and Elaine made their final home in Riverton, wintering in their St. George home. They enjoyed many happy years of dancing, travel, and golf with friends and family.
To those who loved him best, Chad was one of the few remaining of the greatest generation. He dedicated his life in service to his Heavenly Father, to his family, to each community he resided in, and to his country. He cultivated patience, tolerance, and love. He is a true disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ and will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and neighbors.
Chad was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Wayne (Phyllis), Reese, Ruel, Stanton (Marillyn), Cliff (Karen); son-in-law, Robert Reynolds; grandson, Bradley Hackwell; great grandson, Thomas Kyrum Nelson.
Chad is survived by his sweetheart of seventy-four years, Elaine; children, Sandy Reynolds, Sherri (Vern) Hackwell, Julie (Brent) Robison, Chad C. Jr. (Christine), Kerry (Joye), Brent (Bonnie); siblings, Terrel (Rhea), Garn (Ida), Grace Nelson, Iris (Don) Hales; sisters-in-law, Adella, Pat; twenty-six grandchildren; sixty-five great grandchildren; eleven great-great grandchildren.
Services will be held Saturday, March 5, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at the Riverton Third Ward Building, 12998 S 1300 W. Family and friends may visit from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., or Friday, March 4, 2022, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Broomhead Funeral Home, 12600 S 2200 W, Riverton. Interment will follow the services at the Redmond Cemetery.
