William M Nelson

William M. “Bill” Nelson, 87, returned to his Heavenly home on June 27, 2012. Because of health concerns, Bill had been living at the Beehive Memory Care facility in St. George for the past year.  Bill was born, November 15, 1924 in Richfield, Utah to Junius M and Elizabeth Neilson.  He married his eternal companion, Bonnie Mae Willes, August 21, 1950 .  The marriage was solemnized in the St. George Temple in November of 1962.
He attended the Branch Agricultural College in Cedar City and joined the Navy in 1944.  He returned to help his father run a dairy herd.  Bill and Bonnie raised five children.  Bill was employed by Garfield County Road Dept, he operated the family farm until retirement in 1996.  The farm not only provided financial support for his family, but also an environment where he taught his children and grandchildren to be honest, to work hard and to do their best.  Bill was known for his impeccable sense of humor and his love of life.
Bill was devoted to his family, he included his children and grandchildren in all aspects of his life.  He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in many capacities.  He was an example of integrity and charity.
Dedicated to the community, he was a long time member of the Cannonville Irrigation Co.  He also served on the board of Garkane Power and South Central Telephone Company for many years.
He is survived by his wife Bonnie of Cannonville; children, Jack (Gaye) Nelson of Logandale, NV, June Ann (Jim) Miller of Panguitch, Marie (Kim) Alvey of Las Vegas, NV, Jolene (Clint) Pollock of Panguitch, Mark (Loni) Nelson of Cannonville; 19 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; sisters, Shanna (Jay) Waite of Hurricane and Lael (Ralph) Chynoweth of Henrieville.
Preceding him in death are his parents; granddaughters, Nicole Nelson, Amber and husband Steve Smith; and great-granddaughter, Opal Smith.
The family extends their thanks and appreciation to the nurses and staff at Beehive Memory Care for their loving care.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. In the Cannonville LDS Ward Chapel, where friends may call for viewing from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.  Burial will be in the Cannonville Cemetery with Military Rites by the Bryce Valley American Legion Post #18.

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