Calvin Lars Nelson

Loa, Utah - Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather, Calvin Lars Nelson, age 89, passed away peacefully at his home on August 19, 2015, surrounded by his family. Lars was born April 26, 1926, in Fremont, a son of Lewis Peter and Della Amelia Taylor Nelson. He was the seventh of eight children. He graduated from Wayne High School, Class of 1944 and was drafted into the US Army in December of 1944. He proudly served in WWII and developed a great love and respect for his country. When he returned from the military and looked over the valley of Wayne County, he said, "I hope I never leave this valley again." Except for a mission and a few short vacations, he never did. He was always grateful for the day he married his eternal sweetheart, the banker's beautiful daughter, Anita Brian, on January 30, 1948, in the Manti LDS Temple. Together they were blessed with five children and lived a happy life. Lars was a member of the LDS Church and served in many capacities, including Bishop of the Fremont Ward. He and Anita served an LDS Mission in Corpus Christi, Texas, and spent many rewarding years as ordinance workers in the Manti Temple. He had a strong testimony and eagerly shared it with others. Anita passed away on February 9, 2000. He married Rhea Jane Huntsman Jackson, July 22, 2002. He was active in the community, serving on the Fremont Culinary Water Works Board and as President of the Wayne County Farm Bureau. He also was an active member of the Harold Brown American Legion Post #92 and proudly served throughout his life. Lars loved his farm and worked hard to take care of it. He learned the art of welding and was one of the best repairmen around. Whenever one of his neighbors needed help, he would stop whatever he was doing to assist them. The things he loved most were spending time with his grandchildren, playing his harmonica, going to the Temple, and shearing and tending his sheep. He was the best Dad and Grandpa ever and he, with his cheerful attitude, will truly be missed. Lars is survived by his wife, Rhea of Loa; his children: Sandra (Deceased) and Gaylen and Nancy Rees of Grover; C. Leon and Becky Nelson of Highland; Diane and Raymond Potter of Torrey; Natalie and Bill Overton of Gallup, New Mexico; Stacie and Deven Gass of Circleville; 37 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; a sister, Berneal and Dee Hatch of Loa; brother-in-law: Monte and Elaine Ellett of Bicknell. His surviving step-children are: Therral and Judy Jackson, Elaine and Dale Young, Tom and Marilyn Jackson, Kevin and Berniece Jackson, Lynn and Pamela Jackson, Jane and Doug McPherson, Verla and Jeff Mehoves. He is preceded in death by his wife, Anita; a daughter, Sandra Lynn Nelson Rees; his parents; brothers and sisters: Ione and Wayne Blackburn, Vern Nelson, Twila and Fremon Sorensen, Kirk and Etta Nelson, Ellen and Deward Blackburn, Willis Spafford and Dorothy Ellett. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 25, 2015, at 1:00 PM in the Loa LDS Stake Center, where friends may call for viewing Monday evening from 6 to 8 PM or Tuesday morning from 11:00 to 12:30 prior to the services. Burial with military honors accorded by the Harold Brown American Legion Post #92 and the Utah Honor Guard will be in the Fremont Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.