Clarence Nelson

Clarence Eugene Nelson, (Gene), 98, passed away Monday, February 19, 2018, at Beehive Homes in Perry, Utah.  He was born on November 4, 1919, in Syracuse, Utah, the son of Clarence Christian Nelson and Athlinda Snowball.

Gene loved to play sports especially basketball.  He played on the South Bountiful, Utah, M-Men LDS ward basketball team.  They played 16 teams and won the Salt Lake Division.  They went on to play in the all-church tournament.  Out of 2,000 teams, his team took 4th place overall.

Gene married Rose Annie Meredith on July 12, 1941 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  He soon began working at the Veterans Hospital in Salt Lake City.  In November, 1942, he was drafted into the United States Army and spent the next three years helping wounded soldiers evacuate battle zones to hospitals in England during WWII.

After the war, Gene worked at Hill Air Force Base in Clearfield, Utah, where he eventually became supervisor of custodial services over all industrial and clerical areas on the base.  He retired at the young age of 56 after 33 years of federal service.

While at Hill Air Force Base, Gene joined the Hill Rod and Gun Club.  He was Skeet Director and Fishing Director for several years.  One year, he won the Holliday Gun Club Best in State 28 gauge skeet shooting competition.

Gene loved his family and spent most of his summers camping and fishing.  The favorite place was Bridger Lake and great memories were formed there.

He is survived by his children, two sons, Robert (Shawnie) Nelson, Layton; Chris (Vickie) Nelson, North Ogden; two daughters, Jane (Stanley) Ferguson, Pleasant Grove; Nancy (Jeff) Ford, South Jordan; 19 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild.

Preceded in death by his parents, one brother, John Walter; three sisters, Sylvia, Mary, and Dora.

Gene’s most endearing quality is his humor.  Before Rose passed away she said, “Everybody knows Gene’s funny.  He makes you happy.  I wouldn’t give anybody else a thought with Gene around.”

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 23, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.  Friends may visit family Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary.  Interment, Clearfield City Cemetery.