Chad Dennett Christensen Sr. Obituary (1951 - 2024)

Chad Dennett Christensen Sr. of North Las Vegas, Nevada passed away due to heart complications on March 25, 2024. He was the devoted husband of 50 years to Vera Leavitt Christensen (preceding him in death on October 30, 2016). He was the loving father to Bobbie Jo (Ted), Michelle (Juan) and Chad (Tina). He was a loving grandpa to 14 grandchildren, “Cowboy Grandpa” to 20 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Chad Sr. was born in Cedar City, Utah on October 8, 1951 to his parents Phillip Lee and Joyce Dennett Christensen. He was one of five children; two older sisters, Kathryn and Karen and two younger brothers, Kim and Chris. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Kim and Chris. Chad grew up in Cedar City, Utah. Chad loved to be outside and spent his younger years exploring the dirt roads, farm lands and horse country that surrounded them. He was an explorer and loved all things native American. He loved to ride stick horses with his siblings and play in the yard until they were called in for supper. His dad helped him develop a strong work ethic at a young age. Chad Sr. would tell stories of collecting salamanders and worms with his sister Karen to sell for bait and bagging charcoal to sell for fuel as well. Chad met the love of his life, Vera Leavitt in high school. He was smitten with her and would walk her to and from class and carry her books. They started going steady and quickly fell in love. Only around the time they decided to get married in 1968, did Vera learn that she was three years older than Chad. They were 18 and 15 when they were married in St. George, Utah, on February 15. Their daughter, Bobbie Jo was born on December 6, 1967. She was quickly nick-named their “#1” and their whole world changed upside down. On May 6, 1969, their second daughter, Michelle was born. With two beautiful, baby girls, Chad and Vera had their hands full of love. February 6, 1971 brought their third child; their only son, and namesake, Chad Dennett Christensen Jr. Through the years, Chad Sr. and Vera were both employed by Las Vegas Paving Co, Frehner Construction, and Southern Nevada Paving Co. Chad loved operating heavy equipment, and was one of the best blade-operators in the construction business. Chad and Vera raised a beautiful family. Things were not always easy for them, but they stood by one another and supported each other and built a wonderful life together. When they were younger, they raced stock cars together at Craig Road Speedway. They taught their three children and their families how to camp, how to hunt and how to appreciate nature. The month of October was always busy with deer hunts and family trips to the mountains. As their children and families grew, many weekends and holidays were spent on the “ranch” surrounded by family, extended family and friends. Everyone was always welcome at the “ranch.” Chad Sr. will always be remembered by the way he helped others. Growing up, his children remember many family members, co-workers or friends that needed a helping hand, a warm meal or a place to stay. Their dad was always there to help. He continued to take care of the people around him, his entire life. A viewing will take place on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 9:00am, followed by a memorial service from 10:00am -11:30am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 7500 N Tule Springs Road, Las Vegas, NV 89131. Chad will be interred next to his sweetheart Vera, at the Bunkerville, NV Cemetery on Saturday afternoon at 3pm.