Dallas Nelson

Dallas J.C. Nelson, 66,died of a brain hemorrhage on Oct. 10, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

He was born April 1, 1944, in Kalispell and grew up in Whitefish. A 1964 graduate of Whitefish High School, he served in the Army during the Vietnam era.

On Nov. 5, 1972, Dallas married the love of his life, Marilyn Patton. Together, they purchased a farm west of Kalispell, where they grew hay and raised their children, livestock from dairy cows to pigs to chickens to beef cattle, and many beloved dogs and cats.

Dallas, a trained welder, had many talents including building and operating computers, building violins, fishing, hunting, refurbishing antique cars, rebuilding boats and remodeling his home. He was an expert cook, particularly on his barbecue and smoker.

He was the proud ride captain of the Patriot Guard, a motorcycle group that honors veterans by assisting with funerals and locating veterans’ unclaimed remains at funeral homes for burial with military honors.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Sarah Fern, son Dallas Raymond and daughter Dawn Grant.

Dallas is survived by his wife; daughter Allie Sturgess and husband Kevin; sons Bill Nelson and John Nelson; son-in-law Tim Grant; brother Jerry Nelson and wife Sarah; sister, Betty Baldwin and husband Bill; eight grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services were held Oct. 14, 2010, at Glacier Memorial Cemetery.