Robert W. Nelson passed away August 11, 2015 in Idaho Falls, Idaho at the Eastern Idaho Medical Center of a heart condition. His family was present.

He was born May 14, 1935, in Spanish Fork, Utah to Robert A. and Edme Dotson Nelson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Karen, sons, Kevin and Matthew.

He attended Spanish Fork preperatory schools, graduating from Spanish Fork High School with honors, president of the honors club and active in Theatre which became his lifelong career. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees, with honors, in Theatre Arts from BYU, with doctoral study in Theatre and Theatre Architecture at the University of Colorado at Boulder.He lived Spanish Fork and Provo Utah, Boulder Colorado, and Rexburg, Idaho.

His membership is in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving a mission in the France/Belgium/Swiss Mission. He has served in many years in Bishoprics as counsellor, and Ward Clerk, and Gospel Doctrine teacher. He has served 15 years in the Idaho Falls and Rexburg Temples.

He served in the US Army National Guard, is a veteran, and member of the American Legion.

He was a professor of Theatre Arts at Ricks College and BYU-I for 39 years, Architectural consultant, for, and over saw construction on the Eliza R. Snow Building Theatre facilities, he designed six theaters, directed or designed over 150 productions.

He's honored in Who's Who in American professors and other academic journals, was nominated for the Governor's Award for Excellence in Arts.

Mr. Nelson served in Boy Scouts of America as a leader, and merit badge counselor.

He enjoyed woodworking, building, painting, reading, vintage film. Most of all he enjoyed his 26 grandchildren.

He and his wife Kathleen have 7 children, Kevin, deceased (Annadel) Nelson, Pamela (Steven) Gee, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Nelson, Julietta (Jason) Frank, Gerald (Michelle) Nelson, Jeannette (Jed) Denning.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, at the Rexburg 15th Ward Chapel, 166 South 1st East, with Bishop Brett Sampson officiating. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg and Saturday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment will be in the Rexburg Cemetery.