Donald “Butch” Nelson
Beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away at his home in Buhl, Idaho on April 13, 2018. Butch was born in Tooele, Utah on January 12, 1941 to Joseph and Lorene (Jury) Nelson.
He grew up in Utah and Nevada. In 1961, he married Alene Gilbert, settled in Battle Mountain and started his family.
In 1973, he married Sandy Nelson. Over the years, the family moved for mining jobs in Mountain City, Crescent Valley and Battle Mountain.
He was preceded in death by his parents and oldest son, Jimmy “Cowboy” Nelson. He is survived by his loving wife Sandy, children Lori Cross, Susie Babcock (Marcus), Colt Nelson (Amy) and Jennie Nelson, his brothers Jack (Sandi) and Bob, plus 18 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.
Butch will best be remembered for his beautiful yard and trees (puts lots of vinegar in those pines), his love of the outdoors and animals, especially his dogs Andy, Aspen, Zoe, Cricket, Annie D, Jake and Biscuit. He was an honest and hard-working man with a quick wit, terrific sense of humor and serious streak of stubbornness.
Over the years, his demeanor served him well as an underground miner, with Johnson’s Trucking and Transystems and as a sergeant with the Lander County Sheriff’s Department.
A celebration of life is scheduled in Battle Mountain, the town he loved and always considered home, on Saturday, September 22nd at 4:00 p.m. at Colt and Amy’s house 645 North 1st Street.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hospice Visions, 1770 Park View Drive, Twin Falls, ID 83301 or call (208) 735.0121.
