Cedar City, Utah – Emerson Nakai, age 72, passed away on October 24, 2026. He was born on February 11, 1954, in Blanding, Utah, to John Nakai and Larena Crank.

Emerson enjoyed attending powwows and traveling throughout the United States and Canada. He loved exploring new places and, most of all, spending time with his family and grandchildren, who brought great joy to his life.

He is survived by his children, Everson Nakai, Jayson Nakai, Sheree Denetsosie, Chandler Crawley, Marci Mahome, and Janae Mahome; his daughter-in-law, Candice Nakai; his sister, Curleen Fifer; and his brothers, Andy Nakai, Gerald Nakai, Dan Nakai, and William Nakai. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren—Sheldon, Lathan, Natanni, Nokosi, Jonathan, Cheyanne, Ethan, Nathan, and Elizabeth—and one great-grandchild, Tuff.

Emerson was preceded in death by his parents, John Nakai and Larena Crank; his sister, Maraleen Tahy; his brothers, Bill Nakai and Nathaniel Nakai; and his children, Nathaniel Nakai and Yvonne Nakai.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the Blanding 6th Ward Chapel, located at 255 E. 200 N. in Blanding, Utah.

Friends and family may pay their respects on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, Utah. Additional visitation will be held on Thursday, October 29, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the Blanding 6th Ward Chapel prior to the funeral service.

Interment will follow the service at the Blanding Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made through a crowdfunding campaign: https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/emerson-nakai/17500/

Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, Utah. For additional information, please call (435) 673-2454.