Byron Nelson

Byron Everett Nelson, age 90, of Bountiful, passed away in his sleep, October 24, 2006. He was born in Bountiful on March 20, 1916 to James Everett Nelson and Myrtle Willey Nelson. He attended Davis High, Utah State University and the University of Utah. On August 23, 1936 her married Gertrude Mabel Rushforth, of Kaysville in the Salt Lake Temple. Gertrude died in October 1974. Byron Married Viola Kaye Willmore MacSparran on June 1, 1976 in the Provo Temple. During World War II, he served a Captain with the 312th Field Artillery Battalion of the 79th Army Division in Europe, where he landed on Utah Beach a few days after D-Day. He served honorable to the end of the war. Among other honors, he received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. After the war he returned to work for United Airlines where he enjoyed a 40-year career in various management and executive positions. Throughout his career, his assignments took him and his family to Salt Lake City, San francisco, Cleveland, Chicago, Los Angeles, Newark, New York, Denver and Washington DC. He traveled the world extensively. Everywhere he went, he participated actively in services to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints providing leadership and example to family and friends, members and non-members alike. His children are Kristin N. Wilson Donald, Virginia N. Wiltbank David, James B. Nelson Karen, David M. Nelson Lorraine, Sanford E. MacSparran Patricia, and Ronald P. MacSparran. He also has 29 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. So far, fifteen of Byron?s posterity have served full time missions and ten have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Not to be outdone by their posterity, he and Kaye served a full-time proselyting mission in Jackson, Mississippi, from July 1991 to December 1992. Thanks to the members of the Mueller Park 8th Ward for all they have done over the past few years and the staff at Avalon Care Center for their help and kindness during the last few weeks. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 30, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Chapel at 1320 East 1975 South, Bountiful. Friends and family may call Sunday evening from 6:00- 8:00 p.m. at the Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main, and Monday morning from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m at the church prior to services. Interment-Bountiful City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Perpetual Education Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.