Eldon W. Nelson

Eldon W. Nelson, 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 7, 2017. He was surrounded by his family at The Bridge Care Center, in Greeley, Colorado. Eldon was born October 4, 1925 in Englewood, Colorado to the late Elmer and Agnes Nelson. He is one of three children; his sister and brother-in-law Dorothy and Ray Thiessen, and late brother Ray and sister-in-law Judith Nelson of Colorado. Eldon married the late Betty L. Nelson, April 15, 1966. They were married for 23 wonderful years and have four children; John Garrett, Audie Garrett, Richard Garrett and Debra Hodson. John and Nancy Garrett have two children, Clinton Garrett and John Stephen Garrett. Clinton and Christina Garrett have one child (Great Granddaughter) Venice Martinelli. The late Audie Garrett is survived by Char Garrett and their daughter (Granddaughter) Jeanne Garrett who is married to Bridget Smith-Garrett and they have one son (Great Grandson), Atlas Garrett. Richard and Michele Garrett have two daughters (Granddaughters), Kayla Lavalier and Kelsey Wilder. Kayla and Benjamin Lavalier who have three children (Great Grandchildren) Conner, Ella and Dean Lavalier. Kelsey and Brent Wilder have two daughters (Great Granddaughters), Keira and Nora Wilder. Deb and Mike Hodson have three sons (Grandsons), Mathew and Kim Nelson, Alex and Holli Hodson and Ryan Hodson. Eldon was an extremely loving man who was devoted to our Lord, family, friends and flying. Eldon graduated from Englewood High School. He joined the Air Force in 1951, became an aircraft mechanic, and was honorably discharged in January 1954. His passion for flying included part owner in a helicopter service, aircraft mechanic for Continental Airlines, helicopter mechanic for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, and was a shared owner/operator of a Piper Airplane. Eldon retired after 26 years at the 6th Avenue Sub Station for Public Service of Colorado. Eldon loved his family with all of his heart. He made it a priority to attend almost every sporting event that his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participated in. Eldon found much joy in fishing and hunting with his family and his friends. One of his favorite spots to fish and camp with his family is at their property on the Blue River. Eldon also spent many summers in Alaska fishing with his son Richard and his family. He also treasured hunting geese with his son-in-law Mike and his three grandsons well up into his late eighties. Eldon was a devoted Christian that never missed his daily devotional as represented by his tattered bible. He walked through this life with joy, generosity, compassion, and he left this world in the same way he lived. Family request donations in the name of Eldon W. Nelson to Denver Rescue Mission on line at www.denverrescuemission.org or by calling 303-297-1815. A Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 12, 4:00pm - 8:00pm at the Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 9998 Grant Street, Thornton, Colorado. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 13, at 10:00am at the Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 9998 Grant Street, Thornton, Colorado followed by Interment at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area ""A"" 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, Colorado at 12:00pm. *Please use the address 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, CO 80212 because it gets you to the correct entrance. We enter on Denver Drive and will meet the Cemetery Staff at Staging Area ""A"" A Reception will be held at 12:45pm at the Horan & McConaty Reception Center at 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Colorado. Please share your memories of Eldon & condolences with the family by visiting the guestbook below.