Washington, Utah – Ferdinand Adams Neilson, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on February 9, 2022, at 90 years of age.

Ferd was one of twin boys born to Peter Antone Neilson and Vilate MaryAnn Adams Neilson in the family home on Washington, Utah on July 4, 1931. Ferd learned to work hard alongside his parents and brothers on the family farm. Besides being a hard worker, Ferd was fun-loving and full of positive energy. He was musically talented and could dance up a storm. He and his brother Fred sang together in choirs and quartets at church and at community events throughout his life. He also excelled in many sports at school and went on to play and coach baseball and basketball after his schooling. He loved his classmates at Dixie High School and Dixie College. He organized and planned many class reunions for the "Class of '49" even up until the last one in 2020.

Ferd married Darlene McCullough on February 18, 1953, in the St. George LDS Temple. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who loved his family immensely. His greatest joy was getting together as a family, whether it was holiday get-togethers or Pine Valley outings, or birthdays. He loved any reason to get together, just wanting to be with "his kids".

He was dedicated to the gospel of Jesus Christ and served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Canada and later served a mission to Little Rock, Arkansas with his dear wife, Darlene. He also served in many callings in his ward and stake throughout his life which he fulfilled with exuberance.

After graduating from BYU, he began teaching school at Washington Elementary in 1958. He taught and served as a principal for over 30 years before retiring. He was nicknamed "the singing principal" as he could often be heard singing in the halls and classrooms at the school. He loved teaching and genuinely cared about the wellbeing of those he taught.

Ferd loved the people of Washington City and loved serving in the community. He greatly appreciated serving in the Lions Club, especially on the 4 ^th of July celebration, serving up pancake breakfasts and, of course, the famous "Ferd" hamburger. Washington City Little League was a big love for him, and he served as president of the league for many years.

Ferd is survived by his six children: Bruce (Nancy) of Clovis, CA; Louise (John) Page of Dammeron Valley, UT; Kenneth (Wendy) of Washington, UT; Connie (Chuck) Spilker of St. George, UT; Russell (Tonya) of Washington, UT; and Colby (Carrie) of Washington, UT; 23 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his twin brother, Fred of LaVerkin, UT. He was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene; parents, Antone and Vilate; brothers: Junior, Russell and Butch; and two granddaughters: Amber and Amy.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at the Washington Main Street Chapel, 82 North Main Street, Washington, Utah. Visitations will be held Friday evening form 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., and on Saturday, prior to services, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Washington City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Washington County School District Foundation at https://www.washk12.org/foundation/donate

Those who are unable to attend are invited to view the services from the following ZOOM link: https://4th.fyi/ Password: enter

Ferdinand Neilson Service Program