Thomas Delbert Nelson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Thomas Delbert Nelson, 78, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on July 16, 2020. Delbert was the youngest of twelve children, born August 29, 1941, in Tucson, Arizona, to Thomas George Nelson and Alice Ann Kimball Nelson. Growing up on the family farm, he learned at a young age how to work hard. He enjoyed occasional fishing trips with his family, and growing up with several of his nieces and nephews. As a child he was painfully shy, but later made it a goal throughout his life to get out of his comfort zone and make friends everywhere he went. Delbert enjoyed playing football in high school, where he also excelled in his studies and graduated as valedictorian of Thatcher High. He and all of his brothers earned the Eagle Scout Award, which was an achievement their family was very proud of. After high school Delbert joined the ROTC, where he became 1st Lieutenant and a member of Silverwing. He then served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southern States Mission, which at the time included Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. He credits his mission with teaching him the ability to make conversation with people. On March 27, 1964, he married Dorothy Lynne Hayes in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. They moved to Tucson, where he served as president of the Student Religion Council while attending the University of Arizona. After finishing their studies there and at Arizona State University, Delbert began his career as an estate planning attorney and Dorothy continued teaching elementary school. In 1974 they settled in Mesa to raise their family. Delbert was known for being thorough and meticulous in his law practice, as well as in everything else he did in life. In his church callings he served with dedication and took his assignments very seriously, including his calling as a home teacher. He especially loved serving as Stake Executive Secretary and Stake Clerk in the Mesa Kimball East Stake. Delbert and Dorothy raised three children while serving faithfully in the Church and taking on active roles in the community. Delbert enjoyed being a member of the Rotary Club International, where he served as President and became a Paul Harris Fellow. Delbert was known during his life for his brilliant mind, his gentle heart, and for being a friend to all. He is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and four sisters. He is survived by his sisters Ann Taylor (Joe) and Elaine Tolman (Doug), and his brother Dean (Deanne); as well as his wife Dorothy, his children Jennifer Ferrin (Rob), Paul, and Alicia King (David). He also leaves behind a legacy of 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. A Graveside Service will be held Thursday, July 23 at 8:00 a.m. at the Mesa City Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St., Mesa, AZ 85201, followed by a Funeral Service at 10:00 at the Kimball East Stake Center, 4640 E. Holmes, Mesa, AZ 85206. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, no viewing will be held. Attendance in person is limited, so the funeral service will also be live-streamed at http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/Events/mesaarizonakimballeaststake

Thomas Delbert Nelson

August 29, 1941 - July 16, 2020