Delbert Gary Nelson

Delbert Gary Nelson, 85, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, in Bountiful, Utah. He was born on July 10, 1940, in Brigham City, Utah, to Delbert and Glaia Nelson. He grew up the only boy of six children, surrounded by his 5 sisters. He attended Davis High School and graduated in 1958.

On April 9, 1959, he married his high school sweetheart Margie Ann Martin in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they enjoyed ballroom dancing, genealogy, and watching movies. They valued their Friday night dates when, “Gary’s turn to cook”, meant going out to eat! They were blessed with 10 children, 5 girls and 5 boys. As a family they loved camping, fishing, hunting, and summer trips together.

He earned a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University and started his career at Caterpillar Tractor Company which took his family to Illinois for 7 years. At Caterpillar he worked on the triangle tracks for bulldozers, his innovative design is still in use today. Later he took a job for Parker Hannifin, allowing the family to return to Utah, to be closer to extended family, and settle in West Bountiful. At Parker Hannifin he worked designing seals, including those used in booster rockets. Following the Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster in 1986, Gary was recruited by Morton Thiokol to work on solving the seal issues from the shuttle. The family relocated to Perry, Utah where Gary lived for over 30 years. After retirement from Thiokol, he continued to share his passion by educating elementary school children about the space shuttle program.

Gary had many interests and talents. Despite his busy schedule, he restored and rebuilt numerous cars. He also built and remodeled many homes, often helping his children with their projects. He had a lifelong love of music, sang in many choirs, and also played the clarinet. He loved playing games, especially Uno and Solitaire. Spending time with family was his ultimate past time and hobby, he especially enjoyed the babies.

After the passing of his beloved Margie in 2005, square dancing became a new passion. Through dancing, he met Ruth Pryor Olsen, they were married in 2009. Together, they enjoyed dancing, canning, puzzles, and attending lots of family events until her passing in 2014.

Gary was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a deep faith in our Savior Jesus Christ. He served in many ward and stake callings including Bishop, Stake High Council, Stake Executive Secretary, Temple Ordinance Worker, and a dedicated Home Teacher. His favorite calling, of course, was being called as a Nursery Leader. His most honorable calling was that of husband, father, and grandfather. His influence will be felt for generations.

The Nelson family wishes to thank the staff at Welcome Home Memory Care and Rocky Mountain Hospice for their exceptional care during Gary’s final months.

Gary is survived by his children Pamela (Terry) Wilding; Dale (Darla) Nelson; Kevin (Estelle) Nelson; Karen (Danny) Napier; Julie (Dale) Tucker; Natalie Nelson; Dean (Emily) Nelson; Philip (Tanna) Nelson; Vaughn (Brittany) Nelson; Katie (Zakary) Gardner; 42 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren, and one 1 great-great-grandchild; stepchildren Rodger (Nicole) Olsen; Wayne (Jenny) Olsen; Deanne (Robert) Brown; Jack (Jodi) Olsen; Ronda (Matt) Freed; 25 Olsen grandchildren; 15 Olsen great-grandchildren; siblings Dell Jean Cook; Kathleen (Jim) Manning; Debra (Mark) Child; Jolene (Blake) Reneau; brother-in-law Blane Schofield; and many other beloved brother and sister in laws.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives, Margie and Ruth; great grandson Axell Price, grandson Jacob Santos; sister Gayla Schofield.

A viewing for friends and family will be held Friday, October 17, 2025, from 6:00-8:00p.m., at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at the Hargis Hill Ward, 80 North 100 West Willard, Utah. A viewing will be held at the church prior to services from 9:45-10:45 a.m.

***In order to listen to Gary's funeral service click on the recording play button below.