Eldon Dean Nelson

Eldon Dean Nelson passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, at the age of 97.

Dean was born on May 5, 1928, in Vernal, Utah to Ira and Hattie Nelson. During his seventh-grade year, his family moved to North Ogden, where he attended North Ogden Junior High and later graduated from Weber High school in 1946. He attended one year of college at Weber State.

In 1949 he was hired by his brother to work on a project painting homes in Arizona. It was there that he met the love of his life, Irene Hale. It was love at first sight. He brought her home to Utah and they were married on June 30, 1949, then later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. They lived in Ogden for the first 2 years of their marriage, then Dean enlisted in the Air Force where he later became an instructor.

After returning to Utah, Dean and Irene built their first home and settled in Roy, where they lived for 65 years. They had 3 children: Gary, Doug and Lorna. Dean joined his father and brothers in the painting business, then later went out on his own with his 2 sons. His strong work ethic and commitment to quality earned him a reputation as one of the most respected painting contractors in Northern Utah. In the end, it ended up being a four-generation legacy.

Dean was an active member and served in many callings for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His service included: Stake Presidency, Bishop, Scout Master, Ward Missionary, Ward Mission Leader and one of his most cherished callings, Stake and Ward Athletic Director.

He loved sports, and especially loved cheering on BYU. Dean had a love for nature and outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time in the mountains and he instilled his love of the outdoors in his children and grandchildren. He had a passion for missionary work and would share his testimony with everyone he met.

Dean is survived by his 2 sons, Gary (Jackie) Nelson, of Roy, Utah; Doug (KayLynn) Nelson, of Florence, Montana; and 1 daughter, Lorna (Scott) Palmer of Woods Cross, Utah. He leaves behind a great posterity with 13 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South, Roy, Utah. A public viewing will take place on Monday, March 2, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., and on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., both at the Lindquist Roy Mortuary. Interment will take place at Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park at 4500 Washington Blvd, Ogden, Utah