Raymond Nelson

Raymond Earl Nelson, 85, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died December 27, 2013 at Golden Living Center in Cozad, NE.

He was born June 14, 1928 in Arnold, NE, son of Raymond E and Helen (Simpson). He grew up west of Arnold on the family farm in a sod house and attended country schools near Arnold. He worked for several farmers in the Arnold area. He followed the wheat harvest for a while and spent two years in Colorado with a demolition crew. He was inducted into the Army in 1951 where he was a demolition specialist. A short fuse went off, Ray dove under a big truck and the driver accidentally drove over Ray's head. He was discharged from the service and received the Purple Heart. Ray married Doris Williams on February 23, 1952 at the Nazarene Church in Salina, KS; they had two boys - Dick and Steven. He worked for the Ford Garage in Gothenburg as a mechanic before starting his own business with his uncle Frances Schloatman and later his own mechanic shop. Before his retirement in the mid 90's he worked as a car salesman at the Ford Garage and Simon Motors. He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing. Ray and Doris spent seven winters in Mission, TX. Ray was a member of the American Legion and VFW Post #0064 and the First Baptist Church.

Surviving are wife, Doris Nelson of Gothenburg, NE, two sons - Dick (Jody) Nelson of Gothenburg, NE, Steve (Rebecca) Nelson of Edmond, OK; 3 grandsons - Nathan Nelson of Colorado Springs, CO, Tracy Nelson of Colorado Springs, CO, Brandon (Sarah) Nelson of Oklahoma City, OK; 2 granddaughters - Melissa (Todd) Crum of The Woodlands, TX, Adrienne (Michael) Weigel of Oklahoma City, OK; 4 great grandkids - Kylah, Dominic, Camilla, and Callista; sister - Gwen Thompson; 2 brother-in-laws - Lewis Thompson, Irvin (Jan) Williams along with several nieces and nephews.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Fred Williams; his in-laws Earl and Helen Williams.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Sunday, December 29, 2013 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm. with the family present from 2-4.

Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church, December 30, 2013 at 10:30 am with Pastor Bill Ivey officiating.

Interment will be at in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska, Monday, December 30, 1:30 p.m.


Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church 1002 Ave C Gothenburg, NE 69138, , The Gideons International PO Box 133 Gothenburg, NE 69138, Golden Living Center 318 W 18th street Cozad, NE 69130.