Wendwell Nelson

Wendwell Nelson July 7, 1931 - September 8, 2013 Sunday, September 8, 2013 Heaven got a new Cowboy when Wendwell Nelson age 82, peacefully passed away at his family ranch in Bakersfield with his loving wife and family by his side. His journey in life began on July 7, 1931 in Mangum, OK when his parents Herman and Eunice Nelson (both deceased) welcomed him and his twin brother Dendwell Nelson (deceased). At age 8 his family moved to Bakersfield, Ca where they spent the remainder of their lives as business owners and farmers. He was a graduate of Bakersfield High School in 1949 and then spent his time trucking and cattle ranching. In 1951 he joined the US Army with his brother, together they were drafted and spent 2 years serving in Korea. After his return he married former wife Retha Sanders (1934 - 2002) and together they had 2 Daughters Karen Devin and husband Danny of Bakersfield; Granddaughter Wendy Clem and husband Dave; Great Grandchildren Chance and Brooke; Granddaughter Danielle Chavez and husband Jorge; Great Grandchildren Danika, Johnny and Tison. LaDonna Helton and husband Mike of Bakersfield; Grandson Tyler Helton and wife Monica; Great Grandchildren Callie and Clay; Grandson Taylor Helton and wife Ashley. He continued on lifes journey when he married his current wife Frances Arburua in October 2004. He gained 3 Step Daughters Rebecca Aukland and husband Donald of San Diego; Step Grandson Andrew Aukland and wife Erika; Step Grandson Daniel Aukalnd. Denise Eyraud and husband Jerry of Bakersfield; Step Granddaughter Emilia Spells and husband Eddie; Step Great Granddaughters Nicolette,Lily and Maddie. Step Granddaughter Erin Eyraud. Step Grandson Kevin Eyraud. Step Daughter Janine Watson and husband David of Bakersfield; Step Granddaughter Jacqueline DeBondt and husband Nathan; Step Great Grandchildren Jordan and Kaitlyn. Step Great Granddaughter Jessica Sweaney and husband Bryson; Step Great Granddaughter Kelsi. Step Great Grandson Wesley Watson; Step Great Granddaughter Stephanie Watson. During his journey though life he enjoyed everything from bowling, to hunting, to cattle drives with his family. Later in life along with his wife Frances they spent many miles on the road traveling the US with their close friends. In his last years you could find him rolling around in his golfcart at his families ranch making sure everything was running smoothly. Wendwell loved being around his family and friends and always had his door open. You could always count on a great story or laugh after him greeting you with a contagious smile. He lived his life to the fullest and his journey on earth will continue on in our hearts forever. Even though everyone who knew him feels a void with his passing, we have learned many life lessons from him that will stay with us forever. Viewing will be Thursday, September 12, 2013, 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. with Memorial service on Friday, September 13, 2013, 10 a.m. at Hillcrest Me Car Insurance age 50+ morial Park and Mortuary.