Boulder City pioneer Nelson dies

Friday, April 4, 2003 | 9:09 a.m.

Funeral services for Tommy Nelson, who worked on the construction of Hoover Dam and was an accomplished trumpet player and gardener, were held today in Boulder City.

Nelson, 90, was an avid trumpet player who often performed in Boulder City's park and with his band, Boulder City Mayor Bob Ferraro said.

"He's going to be missed by many in Boulder City," Ferraro said. "I knew him since I first arrived here 33 years ago."

Nelson was born May 10, 1912, in Brigham City, Utah. He became a professional trumpet player at age 16.

As a 72-year resident of Boulder City, Nelson was a member of the '31ers, the men who built Hoover Dam.

The same year he moved to Boulder City to begin work on the project then known as Boulder Dam, Nelson married his wife, Grace, who died four years ago.

Nelson was an electrician by trade and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, as well as a member of the Musicians Union.

A World War II veteran, Nelson enlisted in the Navy and played trumpet in the all-star SeaBee orchestra, led by the late George Liberace, brother of longtime Las Vegas star Liberace.

Nelson was also active with the American Legion post in Boulder City and was a member of the Masons.

He is survived by two daughters, Barbara Ursenbach and Diane Earl, both of Las Vegas; sisters Mary Jane Agricola of St. George, Utah, and Rachel Johnson of Las Vegas; and a brother, Lynn Nelson of Boise, Idaho. He has five grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren; and 10 great-great grandchildren.

The family requests donations be made to the Boulder City Hoover Dam Museum, 1305 Arizona St., Boulder City, NV 89005.

Nelson was buried today at Palm Mausoleum in Boulder City.