Nelden L. Ellison

Nelden Lee Ellison of Fresno passed away June 4, 2021, at the age of 84. Nelden was born a twin and the fifth of six children to William L. and Sarah C. (Ashlock) Ellison on November 17, 1936, in Paden, OK.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Denton JR, twin brother Elden D., Winston S. and sister Bobbie Jean Seals.

A beloved brother, father, grandfather, cousin, uncle and friend; he is survived by William L. Ellison (Doris) of Beaumont, CA; daughters Tammie Ellison and Sherry Otero (David) of Fresno; sons Nelden R. Ellison (Melisa) of Minot, ND; Brad Ellison (Kelly) of Clovis; 5 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Nelden and his family moved to California in 1939 when he was 2 years old. Growing up his nickname was Tink, because he liked to tinker with things. He grew up in Tulare County attending Packwood School and Mt Whitney HS. He also attended Pacific College and Fresno City College studying Business Administration. Nelden joined the Air Force in 1956 working as a Radar Operator and receiving the rank of Senior Airman. He married Gloria D. Estes in 1958 and started a family. After leaving the AF to raise his family, he worked as a shoe salesman for JCPenney, then decided his passion was in construction. Nelden began his career in construction building houses with his brothers and later joined Ashwood Construction retiring in 2006 as Chief Estimator Emeritus. He had such a strong work ethic and didn’t like to be idle he continued working even after retirement.

Nelden was a quiet gentleman, pleasant, soft spoken and flirty. He loved to travel and his favorite place was the beach. He loved his family and his side kick Kobe dog. Nelden enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, “tinkering” around the house, building gadgets to help him get the job done, working in his yard, shaping trees and growing roses, and traveling the world with his younger brother, after retirement participating in the National Veterans Golden Age Games which gave him more opportunities to travel across the U.S.

He was dearly loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed and remain forever in our hearts.

A visitation will be held at Miller Memorial Chapel 1120 West Goshen Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291 on Friday June 25, 2021 from 9:00 am to 11:30am followed with a Graveside Service at Visalia Public Cemetery District 1300 West Goshen Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291 at 12:00 noon.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.