Guy Nelson

Guy Thompson Nelson, 89, of Idaho Falls, (Guy recently said he was closer to 90 than 89), passed away June 23, 2011 at his home from a brief battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife and family. Guy was born September 24, 1921 in Marysville, Idaho to James Clarence “Clad” Nelson and Viola Agnes Thompson Nelson. He grew up and attended school in Driggs, Idaho later graduating from Teton High School.Guy spent timeenrolled at Utah State University, where he participated with the swim team and in boxing.He received his Doctorate degree at the School of Hard Knocks, where every experiencewas an education. Besides Driggs,Guy lived in Idaho Falls,Idaho; Logan, Utah, and briefly in Montana. Guy always enjoyed life. He was playful and a bit ofa tease. Guy was always the hit of a party and could tell a story better than anyone we know. If anyone could get an award for the number of people he knows and by the number of friends he had, that would be Guy Nelson. He could not go into a public setting without finding a friend or a connection to a friend. Getting together with brothers and sisters for a competitive card game or just to share time together was always important. This family tradition passed on to Guy and Valone's children; there are always games and fun being shared. Guy served his country in the United StatesArmy during World War II. He was a member of the American Legion. During the 2nd World War, Guy spent time in the Philippines, where his life lessons paved a path for his future and what would soon become part of his character. Guy was ever so proud of the service time he donated to his country, but was never veryvocal about those experiences. Serving his country was a proud and importanttime for he andhis family. On February 10, 1943, Guy married Jessie Valone Fullmer in the Logan Utah LDS Temple and together they raised eight children. He lovedranching and worked for theIdaho Department of Highways.Guy was a handyman and carpenter and could build or fix anything. Finding Guy lending a hand to a neighbor or just being a great example to family and friends was all a part of his nature. Guy was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions. Last Monday evening, as Guy was starting to decline in health, he made sure he bore testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel to all those within the sound of his voice. Guy set an example of a missionary by serving a Stake Mission and made sure his six boys served missions as well. Guy was always a gentleman and treated Valone like a Queen. In doing so, Guy and Valone raised two wonderful daughters who brought two additional wonderful men into the family. Guy enjoyed reading, especially Louis L'amour books, woodworking, and telling stories. He especially loved being with his family. Survivors include his wife, Valone Nelson of Idaho Falls; G. Brent (Kathy) Nelson of Bothell, WA; Vicki V. (Dave) Ellis of Idaho Falls; Randy L. (Jeannie) Nelson of Fairbanks, AK; Vance (Marilyn) Nelson of Menan; J. Chris (Tina) Nelson of Rigby; Karla Jo (Steve) Hansen of Pleasant Grove, UT; Shane K.(Joni) Nelson of Bartow, FL; Arlo V. (Traci) Nelson of Idaho Falls; 30 grandchildren; 40 great grandchildren; brothers, Arlo (Karen) Nelson of Farmington, Utah and Rex (Sharon) Nelson of Driggs, ID; and sisters, Phyllis Humphries and Helen Kunz Idaho Falls and Bonnie (Leo) Jensen of Moore, ID. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Harold Nelson and Wells Nelson, and sisters Nola Christensen, Ella Griggs, and Leona Grover. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 30, 2011 at the Cedar Ridge LDS Ward (3195 S. Holmes Avenue). The family will visit with friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at Wood Funeral Home (273 North Ridge Avenue) and from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Driggs Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home, with military rites performed by the Driggs American Legion. Guy and Valone were heavily involved in the startup and organization of the Teton Valley Museum. The family requests that memorial donations be sent to Teton Valley Museum, PO Box 363, Driggs, ID 83422.

Funeral Services -- Thursday

11:00 a.m. ,Thursday, June 30, 2011 Idaho Falls LDS Cedar Ridge Ward 3195 S. Holmes Avenue Idaho Falls, ID 8344 Notes: The family will visit with friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at Wood Funeral Home (273 North Ridge Avenue) and from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Driggs Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home, with military rites performed by the Driggs American Legion.