Errol Carl Nelson
Errol Carl Nelson, Errol C, Nate, The Big E, The Old Cowboy, The Cowboy Bishop, rode off into the sunset on June 16, 2023.
Errol was born in Roosevelt, Utah on October 12, 1944. He was the eighth of nine children born to the best of parents, Max and Nola Nelson. He had wonderful brothers and sisters, along with lots of uncles, aunts, and cousins.
He grew up working on the farm, roaming the sand hills on horses, swimming in ponds, and playing night games. He lived a picture book childhood. He worked, fished, and hunted with his father, brothers, uncles, and cousins and he worked in the yard with his angel mother.
Errol graduated from Union High School in 1962 with an amazing classful of good-good people. He then attended LDS Business College for two years in Salt Lake City. He graduated from Weber State College in 1972 receiving a degree in Computer Science and Business Management.
Errol worked in the insurance industry for over forty years in sales and management. He had the opportunity, according to him, to work with the greatest people that you could hope for. From his work experience, he had the opportunity to travel extensively to Mexico City, Cancun, Spain, Switzerland, Paris, London, Africa, Italy, Alaska, and Hawaii (several times). Errol’s employment also took him to many states in the U.S. He was excited to see just how beautiful America and the rest of the world really was.
Errol fulfilled his military obligation while attending college by serving in the Utah Army National Guard. He received his basic and advance training at Fort Ord., California. Serving in the military gave Errol a great love for America. He would always say, “You gotta love America; we have the neatest things!” He developed gratitude for all who served in the military and was thankful for their service and sacrifice. What great stories and experiences came from this time.
Errol was blessed with the opportunity of serving in several church callings which allowed him to focus on his two true loves: people and service. He served as bishop twice, and in a stake presidency twice. He was a temple ordinance worker, served a full-time mission with his wife, and fulfilled multiple ward callings. These callings allowed him to be surrounded by very good, faithful, and kind people. Oh, how Errol loved people!
During all this, Errol was married to the love of his life, Joanne Porter Nelson. They were married in Morgan, Utah on Dec 2, 1972, in Joanne’s family home. They were later sealed in the in Ogden Utah Temple on December 2, 1976. Together they had four amazing sons who brought four beautiful daughters-in-law and seventeen of the brightest, best-looking, kindest, grandchildren that you could ever imagine.
Errol was involved in many community activities. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club in Clearfield and on The Red Cross Board of Directors, also in Clearfield. He was a Morgan County Commissioner and Chairman of the group. He served on the Morgan County Planning and Morgan City Rec Plex committees. He was the master of ceremonies for many beauty pageants, senior citizen parties, and announced local parades and fashion shows.
Errol coached little league sports including basketball, baseball, and soccer. Errol loved these kids as his own, and he really loved his own!
Errol had the capacity to love everyone he met. Errol’s willingness to help and comfort those in need was a calling that he took seriously.
Errol was proceeded in death by his father and mother, Max and Nola Nelson, and 4 siblings, Ted (brother), Randy (brother), Eric (brother) and Cheri (sister) and one grandson Corbin Alan Nelson. Errol is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Joanne Nelson, and children: Zachary (Jaime) Victor, Idaho, Blake (Megan) Morgan, Utah, Casey (Emily) Malad, Idaho, and Corey (Amanda) Brigham City, Utah. Errol is also survived by 4 siblings, Larry (brother), Ina Lee (sister), Karen (sister) and Penny (sister).
A celebration of life will be held Sunday June 25, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Morgan LDS Rock Church (10 West Young Street). Enter through any door as this will be a casual meet and greet. Funeral services will be held Monday June 26, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. with a viewing form 10:00-11:30 a.m. at the Morgan LDS Rock Church as well.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.
Errol has asked that while you are dressed up for the funeral, stop on your way home and tell someone you love them or go to the temple.
