Chris Nelson

Robert Christopher Nelson, 52, of Woodville, Idaho, passed away due to kidney cancer on Saturday, April 18, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Chris was born July 18, 1973, in Pocatello, Idaho to Robert Jay and Bonnie Babbitt Nelson. He was the oldest of ten children preparing him to be a big brother and mentor to many. He grew up in Chubbuck, Idaho graduating from Highland High School in 1991.

While working for his uncle Todd Nelson at Del Monte Meats, he would meet the love of his life Pamela Crawford. He attended one year at Idaho State University before serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Korea Taejon Mission. Upon returning from his mission, he continued his education at Idaho State graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

After graduation he began working for Familian Northwest, which later became Ferguson, working his way up to General Manager of Ferguson Waterworks in Idaho Falls, retiring in 2021. A highlight of his career was being able to work with his brothers building houses through JTC Contractors and Thomas Nelson Homes.

Chris and Pamela were married June 16, 1995, in the Logan, Utah Temple. They had two amazing children who have brought them much joy and happiness.

Chris could be found several times a week on the racquetball court with his friends and brothers, usually winning. One of his favorite things to do was to go rock climbing in his Can-Am with his brothers and friends in southern Utah. He loved the beautiful scenery there especially in Moab. Chris was very competitive in playing cards and board games and had a hard time losing, which was rare.

Chris served in numerous church callings including Young Men’s President, High Councilor, Ward Mission Leader, and several bishoprics. He especially loved his time in the Rexburg YSA 12th Ward where he found dear friends. He often could be found helping neighbors, friends, and family with whatever needed to be done. He loved getting to know people, especially the nurses who cared for him during his last few months. Special thanks to the healthcare workers and staff at the Idaho Cancer Center at EIRMC who spoiled him with love while treating him for his cancer.

Chris is survived by his wife, Pamela; daughter, Jaime and son, Tyler; parents, Robert and Bonnie; siblings, Matthew (Rochelle), Stephanie Morrison (Kai), Joseph (Tammy), Rachel Hollingsworth (Clint), Sarah, Thomas (Tausha), Samuel (Nicole), Janice (Katelyn), and Ernest Wilson; many nieces and nephews; and his in-laws, Ed and Carolyn Crawford.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Ronald Merland and Mary Elzina Mingo Nelson; and Floyd Lavern and Eunice Jorgensen Babbitt; niece Ava Grace Nelson and nephew Anthony Robert Nelson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 24, 2026 at the Woodville Second Ward Chapel, 1555 N 700 E, Shelley, ID 83274. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 till 8:00 p.m. at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 W Oak Street in Shelley and Friday morning from 9:30 a.m. till 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Woodville Cemetery.

Those who would like to participate in the funeral service remotely are invited to view the service on a live broadcast at the following link:

https://zoom.us/j/96808043352

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