Richard G. Nelson

RICHARD G. NELSON Richard G. Nelson passed away at Vista Grande Inn on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at the age of 80. He was born the son of Otto and Esther (Linder) Nelson on August 1, 1929 in Denver, Colo. Richard proudly served his country in the U.S. Marines making it a 21 year career. He married Lavender Lea Like in LaJunta, Colo. on May 30, 1983. Shortly after their marriage Richard and Lavender moved to Cortez where Richard was starting his employment with the State of Colorado as a Port of Entry officer. He held that position for 16 years before his retirement in 1999. Richard was a self-taught cabinet maker; he was requested to make one of the display cabinets for the Anasazi Heritage Center. He was also an avid reader taking advantage of any spare moment to read. Surviving Richard are his wife of 26 years, Lavender Nelson of Cortez; step-daughters, Marina Hull, and Annie Stansbury and husband, Wayne of Hondo, Texas; two step-grandsons, Zachary and Nicholas Stansbury; by his brother, Donald Nelson and wife, Janet of Pueblo, Colo.; his half-brother, Jack Nelson of Montrose, Colo.; his dear friend, Jerry Gunderson and his wife, Ikuyo of Cortez; as well as by several nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents; by his half-brother, Ken Nelson; and by his half-sister, Dora. Cremation has taken place and services are planned for a later date.