Charles Elbert Nelson

Charles E. Nelson was born to Oscar and Stella (Keefauver) Nelson in the family farm house ten miles east of Longmont on September 17, 1925. He attended rural St. Vrain School next to the river, then Johnstown High School, graduating in 1942. As the eldest son, from a young age his farming chores were many on the 320-acre farm. An avid sportsman all his life, his first elk hunting trip to Williams Fork in the fall of 1942 was followed by many decades of same. In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, was certified as an EM3c and served on the USS Hocking APA 121, an attack transport which took part in the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa and in the occupation of Korea. Decorated with a WWII Victory Medal, American Theatre of War Medal, and Asiatic-Pacific Theatre of War Medal-2 stars, he completed service to his country in 1946, a veteran who served our country with honor and pride.After travels around the country, he landed in California, where he met/married his sweetheart, Pauline Baker (now deceased) in April 1949. He loved his logging work in the CA redwoods before settling in Colorado, where he began a tree-trimming business, Ne-Hi Sprinklers, and later Nelson Construction. He built quality custom homes for decades and crafted custom woodwork until 2010. His small business venture, Mexi-Deli Rose restaurant, satisfied many a hungry palate! From 1950, they were active members of New Creation Church and forged life-long bonds with many friends. A loyal husband, father and friend, a loving grandpa and mentor of many, his influence was far-reaching and will live on through those who knew him well.On the morning of January 3rd, in his home he quietly passed from this life to his Eternal Home in Heaven to join Pauline and his youngest son, Charles Clay (deceased). He is survived and deeply loved by his children: a son, Ray Nelson (Lori); daughters, Lidwina Clements; Deborah Sullivan (Mark); Trudy Perry (Bob); and grandchildren: Misty, a granddaughter he raised as his own; J y (deceased), John, Shelane, Angela, Amy, Astell, Mark, Jeremy, Christopher Nelson; Rudy, David, Michael Clements; Erica, Jared, Jessica Sullivan; Alan, Julia Perry; 12 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Harold (June) and Robert (Hattie), two sisters: Barbara, and Eleanor (deceased); and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 4:00 “ 7:00 PM on Monday, January 10, 2011 at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. Funeral Service will be 10:30 AM on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at New Creation Church, 737 Bross Street in Longmont. Interment at Longmont Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to New Creation Church or Habitat For Humanity, c/o Ahlberg Funeral Chapel.