Longview, Washington
1921 - 2010
Former Cowlitz County Sheriff Leslie Sherman Nelson, 88, of Longview passed away Feb. 27, 2010, at the Hospice Care Center.
He was born Dec. 28, 1921, in Grover, Colo., to George and Pearl (Shinn) Nelson, and graduated from high school in Larimer, Colo.
Les attended college and served in the Army as a staff sergeant during World War II. He was a ranch foreman in Walden, Colo., and a horse shoer for many years. Les moved to the local area in 1949 and began his career in Cowlitz County law enforcement as a sheriff's deputy in 1950. He was a chief deputy from 1965 to 1968, an undersheriff from 1968 to 1970, and was elected sheriff in 1974, retiring in 1986. From 1970 to 1974 Les was Weyerhaeuser's first security manager.
He was a member of the Thunder Mountain Rodeo Committee, Kiwanis, National Sheriff's Association, past president of Washington Association of Sheriff's and Police Chiefs, and a member of the Washington State Deputy Sheriff's Association. Les enjoyed horseback riding, general puttering, church, people, family and loved his wife of 59 years, Wanda. He had a quiet strength. When he talked people listened. He was a man of faith, had a quiet humor and always looked for the best in people. He was proud to have founded the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Chaplaincy.
Les is survived by his beloved wife, Wanda at home; three sons and daughters-in-law, Wayne and Jeanne Nelson of Castle Rock, Mark and Patty Nelson of Longview, and Jay and Twyla Nelson of Kalama; two daughters and sons-in-law, Dyann and Dave Crayne of Kelso, and Rosemary and Mark Purcell of Longview; 15 grandchildren, Kayleen Derkacht, Melanie Nelson, LaChelle Nelson, Cory Ford, Collyn West, Cody Anderson, Casey Anderson, Garrett Crayne, Rachel Purcell, Daniel Purcell, Nick Nelson, Hayley Nelson, Brooke Nelson, Kacy Samples and Jordan Samples; and six great-grandchildren, Myriah Derkacht, Anna Derkacht, Ashlynn Anderson, Ellie West, Cole West and Camryn Samples.
Les was preceded in death by all eight of his siblings, J. Finley Nelson, George Nelson, Ben Nelson, Lynn Nelson, Paul Nelson, Eloise Hilbourne, Lois Kuipers and Rachel Conilogue.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at New Life Fellowship, 2441 42nd Ave., in Longview. Pastor Kent Doehne of Columbia Heights Assembly of God will officiate with chaplains Lyle Prather and Steve White. Viewing will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Dahl-McVicker Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cowlitz County Chaplaincy, 208 Fishers Lane, Kelso, WA 98626.
Please sign the guest book at www.tdn.com/obits.
This obituary was originally published in The Daily News (Longview, WA).
Leslie always made us laugh his movies he will be missed. To his family we are sorry for your loss God speed. Truly a fan.
Rhonda Needham
November 29, 2010 | Jacksonville, FL
I just learnt of Les's passing. I served in CCSO in the 70's. Although we had our differences, I respected him, and aslways found him cordial. I will never forget how he described the great responsibility that went with being a Cowlitz County Deputy Sheriff.
Bill Stone 117
April 27, 2010
To the entire Nelson Family....my heartfelt condolences to all. I remember many times sitting around that kitchen table during our high school years and being thoroughly entertained by Les' many stories..all told with that ever-present twinkle in his eye. The funeral for Les was absolutely perfect.....a fitting tribute to an amazing man. Happy Trails, Les.
Patty Stevens
March 30, 2010 | Kelso, WA
Les will be truly missed by all of Cowlitz County. He was a very dedicated and hard working person. We know that you all were so proud of him as he of you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Larry and Veryl Anderson
March 25, 2010
Dear Wanda and family, thank you for giving me the great privelege of caring for Les in his home for 8 months before going into the nursing home. I really wish I could have known him when he was still active and a little more talkative. I'm sure I would have laughed quite often. It was wonderful to see a great deal of his life unfolded at his memorial. You did a terrific job! I will never forget and always hold precious his often-said compliment of me..."You're handier than a pocket in a...
Carleen Spiekerman
March 12, 2010 | Kelso, WA
Les Nelson lives on in Dalian, China, each time I show the DVD about Mt. St. Helens. I talk about him as an example of local government and the students love it when they finally figure out what "even an old hay-shaker like me..." means. Les helped me with my horse when I was 16 and was a good friend to my parents. Victoria Morris-Ott, now teaching in China.
Victoria Morris-Ott
March 10, 2010 | Formerly Kelso, WA
Les always had a big smile and a hug and something funny to tell me almost everytime I saw him in past years. I think I've known him since about 1968 when I was in high school with his son Wayne. I loved watching and hearing of his love for his wife and family and his witness for Jesus. I deeply regret that I never made him the recording of piano music he always asked me for. I would laugh and say, "I'll get around to it one of these days." Thanks, Nelson family, for sharing him with lots...
Kathy Jones
March 10, 2010 | Longview, WA
Wanda, Mark, Wayne and to the rest of the Nelson family, the memories of Les's work and life will bring warm thoughts for many years, to many of us.
Commissioner Kathleen Johnson -
Kathleen Johnson
March 10, 2010 | Kelso, WA
The Nelson family has always been a very SPECIAL presence
in this town & county. Everyone felt a large degree of safety
when Les was on the job.
~The Marion (Jay) Claypool family
March 06, 2010
