Robert James Nelson

F.B.I., Father, Friend and Denver Native

Born August 27, 1926 in Denver, Colorado to Benjamin Nelson and Mary Nelson (Cavanaugh), went to be with our Lord and Savior February 1, 2018. From Grant Junior High, South High School and Denver University, Red was a fixture in Denver and cherished his south Denver roots.

Red served in the U.S. Navy 1944-1946, was drafted by the Boston Braves Baseball Club 1946-1948, worked at Public Service 1948-1951, joined the F.B.I. in 1951- 1979 and Atlantic Richfield Corporation 1979- 1988.

Red was instrumental in the founding of the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy, the Colorado Law Enforcement Academy and Golf4Fun, a program serving the disabled. He was a lead investigator in the Adolph Coors kidnapping and helped pioneer forensic crime investigation practices. He was a proud member of the National Academy and the Former FBI Agents Association.

He is survived by his children, Chris Nelson, Joe Nelson, Mary (Gary) Duffens, Ann (Rob) Caprioglio and Tom (Mary Ellen) Nelson, 14 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Louise Anderson (1957), his second wife, Barbara Allen (2003), his daughter Julie Nelson (1998) and his loving brothers Charles, Clyde (Marjorie) and Albert (Helen).

Visitation/Viewing/Rosary – Sunday February 11th 3-5pm

Advantage Runyan Stevenson Trevino Mortuary - 6425 West Alameda Ave. Lakewood, CO

Funeral Mass – Monday February 12th 10am - Risen Christ Catholic Parish – 3060 South Monaco Pkwy. Lunch reception to follow.

Internment – Ft. Logan National Cemetery – Monday February 12th 2:15pm. Meet at staging area "C" at no later then 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Red can be sent to the Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation

P.O. Box 3406 Englewood, CO 80155 or go to: cofallenhero.org/donate