Lafayette Lee Nelson

Lafayette Lee Nelson was born November 6, 1934 to Lafe and Sadie Nelson in Safford, Arizona. He passed away peacefully at his home August 11, 2021 at age 86 surrounded by all seven of his living children. He married Marilyn Esther Tolman February 23, 1963 in the Los Angeles, California Temple. They spent 51 years together raising and nurturing their family of 8 children.

Lee was raised in southern Arizona and often talked of how much he loved his Arizona family, he enjoyed visiting as often as he could. As a little boy he was known as “Bunky Nelson”. Beginning in the 3rd grade he was an avid basketball player. He played at Safford High School, Eastern Arizona Junior College, and the local church gym until he was nearly 70 years old. He also enjoyed running and ran several marathons. He enjoyed exercising outside. In most recent years he often would sneak out of the house with his walker to take walks at all hours of the day and night.

He had a deep and abiding love of God and served Him to the best of his abilities. He served an LDS mission in the Central States Mission. He served in many other church callings and together with his wife, Marilyn, worked for many years in the Bountful temple. He taught his children to love God and have faith in Jesus Christ. The family takes great comfort in these teachings and are grateful to their Father and Mother for the enduring legacy they have left to their family. Both are greatly missed.

Lee loved his family. He spent countless hours visiting with his posterity, attending sporting events, and performances. He enjoyed coaching his children in sports and watching them grow and develop. He had a deep and eternal love for his family and made them a priority in his life. He took an interest in all and developed a personal relationship with each one.

Lee taught high school chemistry, biology, and physical earth sciences for over 50 years, 39 of which were at Viewmont High School. Early in his career he earned the nickname “Sparky” because of his entertaining chemistry class demonstrations that began with a spark. After retiring, he and his wife Marilyn enjoyed being substitute teachers in local schools.

He is survived by 7 children: Lee (Elaine) Nelson, Merriann (Ken) Isaac, Sheri (Steve) Seljaas, David (Melissa) Nelson, Melissa (Rob) Miles, Merrilyn (Carlos) Hernandez, Annie (Ryan) Downard; 25 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn and daughter, Sarah; parents, Lafe and Sadie Nelson; and siblings Jay Nelson, Flora Merrell, and Judy Rogers.

Family and friends may call at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, on Friday August 13, 2021 from 6 until 8 p.m. and on Saturday August 14, 2021 from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the Bountiful Utah Stake Center, 55 South Main Street. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Bountiful Cemetery.

Services will be live streamed on Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page and Lee’s obituary page at www.russonmortuary.com.