Mark Allen Nelson October 2, 1931 - October 26, 2020

After a life of service to his fellow man, and his family, Mark Allen Nelson, 89, passed away October 26, 2020. He was born in Spanish Fork, Utah, on October 2, 1931, to George Frank Nelson and Eliza Money Nelson. He attended schools in Spanish Fork, and served his country in the U.S. Air Force stationed at Clovis, New Mexico, during the Korean War conflict. After his military tour, he attended BYU, graduating in accounting.

Mark married his eternal sweetheart, Deloris Myrtle Smith, in the Salt Lake Temple on September 26, 1951. Together they had six children: RuthAnn, Jolene, Kenneth, Diane, Keith, and Kurtis. He was a loving husband and attentive father. When the grandkids came along, he loved spending time with them.

After his time in the Service, his career began as a government auditor in Spokane, Washington. He returned to Spanish Fork and began a career with First Security Bank, where he was instrumental in helping the bank transition to the era of automated teller machines (ATMs) and automated clearing house (ACH) electronic transactions. He retired with the title of Assistant Vice President and EFTS Manager after 26 1/2 years at age 55. Near the end of his career with First Security Bank, he began driving for Harmony Tours, as a driver and tour guide where they would take seminary students to LDS Church historical sites in the United States at the end of the school year. He drove for them for 20 years. Many of his grandchildren were lucky to travel with him on those tours back east. During his retirement he also did accounting for small businesses and many small remodeling jobs, he was the best “handy man” around.

Mark was very civic minded. He was a long time member of the Kiwanis Club and served as President for a term, he was Secretary of the Spanish Fork Junior Livestock Show for many years, and in his younger years was a member of the Jaycees. He and his family helped in many community projects throughout the city, including cement work, with many completed projects still being used today. After raising his family in Spanish Fork he and his wife moved to Covered Bridge Canyon where they lived for the next 20 years. They treasured their neighbors and acquaintances there. He was in charge of maintaining the roads in Covered Bridge along with helping many of the homeowners build and maintain their homes. He loved to serve wherever and whenever he could.

He was a good athlete, especially enjoying playing basketball well into his 80’s. He participated in basketball in the Senior Olympic Games. He was an avid BYU sports fan and never missed a basketball game. He loved to tinker and liked to make things work better or be stronger than they originally were. He was meticulous with any work he took on. Mark also loved his dogs and other animals, and working with them.

Mark is survived by his wife, Deloris Smith Nelson; his children: Jolene Nelson, Kenneth Nelson, Diane (Roger) Jones, Kurtis (RaeAnn) Nelson, eight grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Ruth Ann Nelson, and his son Keith Nelson; one sister, Ruth Leifson and three brothers, Frank Neslon, William “Bill” Nelson, J. Wayne Nelson; and a grandson, Pete Jones.

Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, October 30, 2020 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., at the River Bottom Chapel located at 3477 East River Bottom Road, Spanish Fork followed by a funeral service, at 1:00 p.m., also at the church. The family requests that social distancing protocol be used while at the church and cemetery. Interment will be at Spanish Fork City Cemetery, with Military Honors accorded.

Services will be broadcast  via: http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/Events/spanishforkutahcanyonviewstake