David Andrew Nelson passed from this life on September 1, 2025, while doing what he loved most–working in his shop at his home in Enoch, Utah. He was 76 years old.
Dave was born on July 22, 1949, to Andrew and Velma Nelson in Safford, AZ. His parents farmed and taught school in Arizona until they moved to Barstow, CA in 1966, where they continued their work as passionate educators. Stories from Dave’s childhood are filled with laughter, hard work on the farm or in the welding shop with his dad, chaotic adventures with his younger brother, a dash of survival courtesy of his three older sisters, and, most of all, love.
In high school Dave enjoyed playing football, racing cars with friends, and getting into trouble. It was while building dune buggies and other dangerous toys he discovered a knack for building and fixing things, skills he would be known for later in life.
After graduating from Barstow High School, Dave attended Barstow College and played football, proudly wearing the number 24. Higher education took a pause for Dave while he served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazil. His journey home ended with the young missionary wrapped in a bow sleeping under the Christmas tree for his mother to find on Christmas morning.
Following his mission, Dave’s education and football pursuits took him to Southern Utah State College (now known as Southern Utah University) in Cedar City, Utah. It was there that a beautiful cheerleader caught his eye and his world would never be the same.
Dave and Julie were married on May 31, 1974, in the Salt Lake City Temple and began their life together. They welcomed four children into their home: sons Andrew Henry, Thomas George, Michael Stringham, and daughter Sunni. Following the example of his own parents, and with Julie by his side, Dave and Julie passed on the family traditions of laughter, hard work, chaos, survival, and love.
Dave spent the first half of his career as a high school welding instructor, where he mentored hundreds of young students. After 25 years, he retired from teaching, but never one to sit still, began work as the building inspector for Enoch, Cedar City, and neighboring cities. His vocations provided opportunities to form meaningful relationships, and while his expertise was unmatched, it was his gentle character that had the greatest impact.
Dave loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and found great joy in serving in various callings. Inspired by Christ’s example, he was ready and willing to help anyone with anything.
Dave is survived by his loving wife Julie Stringham Nelson; his brother Lloyd Nelson (Linda); his children Andrew Nelson (Sarah); Thomas Nelson (Hilaree); Sunni (Tyler Jackson); and Michael Nelson (McCall). His greatest joy was his 21 beloved grandchildren and their growing families.
Viewings will be held at Enoch Utah LDS Stake Center, 2233 Village Green Rd in Enoch, Utah on Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 pm and again on Monday from 9:00-10:30 a.m., prior to the funeral. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the Enoch City Cemetery. To view a livestream of the service and send online condolences, please visit www.mortuary.org