Carl Nelson

Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 12, at the First Baptist Church of Artesia for Carl "Harry" Nelson, formerly of Lake Arthur, New Mexico.

Mr. Nelson, 97, passed away Sunday, August 7, 2016 in Albuquerque, N.M.

Rev. Rick Sullivan will officiate at the services with burial at Woodbine Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kevin Nelson, Johnny Nelson, Ricky Sneathen, Bill Pollard, Tim Pollard, and Eddie Guy.

Visitation will be at Terpening & Son Mortuary Thursday beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Harry was born on July 11, 1919 to Charles and Marguerite Nelson in Lake Arthur.

Harry grew up on a farm and, provided his chores were complete, was allowed to go to school. At Lake Arthur High School he excelled in basketball during the "jump ball" era and loved to tell stories about beating the larger schools, especially Carlsbad!

His twin brother Harvey beat him to the recruiters office, enlisting in the US Navy during WWII. This left Harry behind to help his dad on the farm. When Harvey returned, Harry enlisted in the Army spending most of his time in the occupation of Japan. During his time in the Army he also entertained the troops as a member of his boxing unit.

After the war Harry tried his hand in farming, but after getting "rained out" two years in a row he began a career that lasted some 35 years as a welder and pipe-fitter at Potash Company of America outside Artesia, N.M.

Harry was known as a good man, a hard worker, a loving husband and father and a friend and neighbor to all. He was a Christian and member of the First Baptist Church in Artesia. He was also a proud member of the Masons and the Eddy Masonic Lodge of Artesia.

Harry was a lifelong resident of Lake Arthur and Artesia, but spent the last four plus years of his life at Atria Vista Del Rio Assisted Living facility in Albuquerque. The family would like to thank the many staff and friends at Atria for their dedicated care during his last years. Prior to that J and J Home Care of Artesia provided in-home care in Artesia and helped Harry in many appreciated ways.

He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Jean, his twin brother Clarence Harvey Nelson, brother Walford Nelson, brother Jerry Nelson, and sisters Peggy Speck, Lynn McCullough, and Phyllis Moore.

He is survived by his sister, Yvonne Pollard (Cecil) of Hagerman, NM and a brother, Johnny Nelson (Cathy) of Lake Arthur, NM and two sons Ron Nelson (Sheila) of Albuquerque, NM, Randy Nelson (Kimberly) of Murrieta, CA and five grandchildren Molly, Kevin, Erik, Jett, Chandelle and great granddaughter Isabelle. He is also survived by many loved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you remember what a great job the VA does for its veterans.

Terpening & Son Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please remember Mr. Nelson at www.artesiafunerals.com.

Visitation

Terpening Son Mortuary
611 W. Grand Ave.
Artesia, NM  88210
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Service

Funeral Services

First Baptist Church
322 W. Grand Avenue
Artesia, NM  88210
Friday, August 12, 2016
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Woodbine Cemetery
200 E. Hermosa Drive
Artesia, NM  88210