Aaron O. Nelson

1934 - 2019

Aaron Nelson was born May 12, 1934 in Crowell, TX to Aaron and Josephine Nelson. He passed away on October 14, 2019 in Clovis CA. Aaron grew up on a small farm in Texas until the age of seven when his family moved to the San Diego, CA. area. At age 11 his dad gave him a new born calf to raise. That was the start of Aaron's interest in livestock. While he was in high school he enrolled in the agriculture classes through the FFA program, raising a Reserve Grand Champion steer he showed at the Del Mar Fair in his senior year. He graduated from Grossmont High School in 1952. Upon graduation he joined the Navel Reserves and requested active duty and served 2 years. During his training he studied electronics and was stationed in Jacksonville, FL and attained the rank of Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class, he remained in the Navel Reserves until 1960. In Sept. of 1955 he enrolled in college at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. With the G.I. Bill, working in a service station nights and weekends, on various ranches summers or taking show cattle to fairs throughout the state, Aaron put himself through college. He graduated with a degree in Animal Husbandry in 1959. In 1957 he met his future wife Darlene Becker. After he graduated from Cal Poly they were married June 14, 1959. In Sept. he entered graduate school at U.C. Davis and received a Master's Degree in Animal Nutrition in January 1961. While attending school in Davis, Aaron and Darlene's daughter Karen was born. After graduation he worked as assistant manager for a short time at a large feed lot in Los Banos. In July 1961 he was hired by UC Cooperative Extension as a 4-F advisor in Ventura County. One year later the position of Livestock and Range management advisor opened up in Fresno

County. Aaron applied and was very happy to accept the position, fulfilling a desire to work within the livestock industry. He spent almost 35 years working with cattle ranchers, sheep, swine producers, horses and on several occasions filling in as Dairy cattle advisor. Several months after moving to Fresno Aaron and Darlene welcomed a baby boy into the family Kenneth and in 1972 their daughter Leanne was born.

During these 35 years Aaron spent working with Fresno County livestock producers were very busy and productive years, both professionally and personally. Using his skills as a researcher and working in the field with producers was both productive and rewarding. His programs were often published in trade journals and professional publications. He was advisory board member of numerous professional associations: Calif Beef Cattle Improvement Assoc., Fresno Kings-Cattlemen's Assoc., San Joaquin Valley Woolgrowers Assoc., Sierra Resource Conservation District. He served as Co-Chair Calif. Livestock Symposium Sheep Section 1975-1983, Co-director Western Livestock Forum, 1984-85. Aaron was named Cattlemen of the year 1981 by the Fresno-Kings Cattlemen's Assoc. and in 1995 was awarded the Golden Fleece Award by the Calif. Woolgrowers Assoc. He retired from UC Cooperative Extension in December 1995. After Aaron and Darlene retired they were able to do some traveling, being able to see most of the lower United States and Alaska plus New Zealand, Australia, Norway, British Isles and numerous cruises. His interests included back packing in the Sierra Nevada mountains, woodworking, travel, camping with family and friends, playing pinochle, writing and music. Music was a big part of Aaron's life. He especially enjoyed country western music from the 40's and 50's, his favorite artists were Hank Williams and Roy Acuff. Aaron was also musical, having taught himself to play the piano, guitar Aaron's Christian faith was a major factor in his life. He and his family have been members of Peoples Church for 50 years. During those years he was a very active member serving on many committees and in leadership rolls. Aaron was preceded by his parents, daughter Karen Nelson Reynolds, son Kenneth Nelson, sisters Micky Everson and Della Call. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Darlene Nelson, daughter Leanne Nelson, granddaughter Danielle Nelson, daughter-in-law Doreen Nelson, son-in-law Dana Reynolds, brother-in-law Robert Becker and wife Sandy and six nephews: Terry Everson and wife Julie, Keith Call and wife Sherry, Greg Becker and wife Debbie, Tom Becker, Conner Lemos, and Shane Becker. A Memorial Service will be held November 22, 2019 at 11:00 AM, G.L. Johnson Chapel, Peoples Church 7172 N. Cedar Ave. Fresno. Donations may be made in Aaron's name to Peoples Church % Missions 7172 N. Cedar Ave. Fresno, CA 93720 Break the Barriers 8555 N. Cedar Ave. Fresno, CA 93720 Hoover High School % Special Olympics 5550 N. First St. Fresno, CA 93710