H. David Nelson, 87, of Idaho Falls, passed peacefully from this life on Monday, February 11, 2013, surrounded by loving family. He was born on January 18, 1926, in La Grande, Oregon to H. Jacob Nelson and Etta Goates Nelson. He was the oldest of three children and attended schools in La Grande, Oregon. He received his B.S. and Masters of Education degrees from Eastern Oregon University. David served honorably during WWII as a radar specialist in the U.S. Navy where he formed life-long friendships. He was happy to serve his country and later was a key organizer of reunions with his fellow shipmates from the USS Freestone. After service to his country came to an end, he chose to serve the Lord as an LDS Missionary in South Africa from 1949 to 1951. David married his eternal sweetheart, Doris L. Godfrey, on August 12, 1953, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They lived in Pendleton, Oregon where he taught school. They then moved to Ammon where he worked in administrative roles in District 93. They later moved to Provo, Utah where he was Principal of BYU High School and then returned to Idaho Falls to work for District 91 in various administrative positions where he retired in 1991. He enjoyed working with high school students and is fondly remembered by many of them. After retirement, he worked as a student teaching supervisor for BYUI, ISU, Lewis & Clark State College and BYU. David had many interests, but was most passionate about the magnificent gardens he grew every summer. His greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and actively served in various positions at both the Ward and Stake levels. He and his beloved wife greatly enjoyed serving an LDS mission together in the South Africa Johannesburg Mission. David is survived by his wife of 59 years, Doris, and their five children, CarolAnn (Neal) Clinger of Idaho Falls; Brent (Laurie) Nelson of Nampa; Linda (Greg) Harvey of West Des Moines, Iowa; Janet (Tyrie) Barrott of Idaho Falls, Diane (Kelly) Kunz of Murray, Utah; 17 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren and his brother, Ralph G. Nelson of Lindon, Utah. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mae Thomson. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 16, at the Idaho Falls 31st Ward, 1165 Azalea Drive. The family will visit with friends and loved ones from 10:00 to 10:50 a.m. Saturday at the church. Interment will be at the Ammon Cemetery. The family suggests that contributions may be made to the LDS Missionary Fund.