Wayne Nelson

Wayne Nelson

Wayne Nelson, 84, passed away at his home in Cheyenne on January 5, 2014.

He was born January 26, 1929 in Coalville, Utah, to Henry and Emma Morton Nelson.  When he was young the family moved to Evanston, Wyoming to attend school.  He graduated from Evanston High School in 1947.  He excelled in sports and music, and was named the Best All Around Boy of his senior class.

He then joined the Army at the beginning of the Korean War.  He served primarily in Kentucky, achieving the rank of Master Sargent

He married Sarah Jane Taggart in November 1950.  They made their home in Lander, Wyoming and together, they had three children.  She passed away in November 1962.  In October 1976, he married Diane Pevic.  They continued to make their home in Lander, and together, they had three children.  In 2007, they relocated to Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Wayne attended the University of Wyoming and earned a degree in Pharmacy in May 1956, becoming the first member of his family to earn a college degree.  He worked in Evanston, Cody and Lander before opening his own pharmacy in Lander, retiring in 2003.  He was named Wyoming’s Pharmacist of the Year in 1976.

He enjoyed flying and obtained a pilot’s license shortly after high school.  Other interests included helping local ranchers, caring for and working with his own horses, and supporting his children in numerous activities.  He served as a councilman on the Lander City Council, and was a member of the Atlantic City Federal Credit Union Board and the Lander Airport Board.  He was also on the Lander Rodeo Committee, and coached Lander youth baseball.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  He held many positions within the church, including serving in the Bishopric, in the Stake Presidency, and was a High Councilman.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Diane; children Cindy (Jim) Hill, Mike (Kelli Jo) Nelson, Lori Nelson, Chris (Danielle) Nelson, Julie Nelson and Wendy Nelson; eleven grandchildren - Jody Graham, Bridget Hill, Kim Hill, Stacy Hood, Brenda Smith, Jonathan Nelson, Melinda Nelson, Brittany Debry, Erik Nelson, Michael Nelson and Brooke Nelson; fifteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sarah Jane, and his brother, Gene.

Visitation will be held from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 11th, with services following at 2:00 p.m., at Crandall Funeral Home, 800 Uinta St, in Evanston, Wyoming.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lander Community Center rebuilding fund.