Keith Lewis Nelson's Obituary
Keith L. Nelson, 80, of Clearfield, Utah, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025. He was born on July 29, 1945, in Ogden, Utah, to the late John and Rowene Nelson.
Keith graduated from Davis High School in 1964. He dedicated 36 years to federal service, including 4 years in the U.S. Navy, where he served on the U.S.S. Enterprise. After his military service, he began his 32-year work career at Hill Air Force Base in the Jet Engine Shop as a jet engine mechanic.
On September 7, 1966, Keith married Vivian, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life. Together, they had two children, Christina and Kirby.
Keith had a passion for sailing, fishing, and drawing. His family has many fond memories of sailing and fishing trips, as he always found happiness and peace near the water. During their retirement, he and Vivian traveled to many destinations. Keith cherished spending time with his family and was a gifted artist, with several of his drawings earning awards. It was truly remarkable to watch him create his artwork. In the last two years, he enjoyed taking pictures of the residents and staff at Chancellor Gardens and surprising them with hand-drawn portraits.
Keith had an incredible sense of humor and always greeted everyone with a smile and a kind word. You could tell when he was having a good time because of his signature fist pump.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rowene Nelson; his wife, Vivian; and his brother, Steven Nelson. Keith is survived by his sister, Shawna (Lynn) Wright; his daughter, Christi (Dan) Priest; and his son, Kirby (Carrie) Nelson. He also leaves behind six grandchildren: Kailey (Jordan) Miller, Tyler (Christine) Priest, Conner (Majesta) Nelson, Caden (Alex) Nelson-Smith, Cole Nelson, and Hunter Priest (Crystal Hulse); as well as three great-grandchildren: Bentley, Oakly, and Patrick. All of them will deeply miss him.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caring individuals at Chancellor Gardens and A Plus Hospice. Your friendship, care, and support were invaluable to Keith and the entire Nelson/Priest family during this difficult time.
A celebration of Keith's life will be held as an open house on November 22, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Wild Sage Events, 1480 Orchard Dr., Suite 113, Bountiful, UT.
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