Charles Nelson

1926 - 2025

Charles Nelson

1926 ~ 2025

Charles "Charlie" William Nelson was born Sept. 13, 1926, in his Auntie Bea's home in Alton, Illinois.

When she first saw him she said, He's not a pretty baby, but he's a good baby."

Charlie peacefully went home to heaven on March 14, 2025, at the age of 98 and a half. He spent the last months of his life living joyfully with his son, Ed, and daughter-in-law Debbie Jean in Dewey, Arizona.

Charlie attended a one-room schoolhouse, graduated from Jersey County High School and then joined the U.S. Navy. He was a World War II veteran who served in the Sea Bees on the Island of Guam. After the Navy he was never interested in taking a cruise.

Returning home, he hit the highways and byways following the wheat harvest with his brother. He got a job hauling cars out of Hazelwood, Missouri. He loved to drive, especially out West. In the 13 years that he worked for Associated Transport, he earned a "million-mile pin."

He married the love of his life, Lucy A. Stafford, in August of 1949. He and Lucy worked together, incorporating Pioneer Construction Company where he built many homes in Illinois.

Charlie and Lucy raised their seven children, moving numerous times between the towns of Alton and Godfrey. Lucy would hardly get the boxes unpacked - or not - when someone wanted to buy her new house!

In 1974, they moved to Moab, Utah, where they purchased Kings Bottom Ranch and the "Egg Ranch." Lucy's "Strictly Fresh Eggs" were sold to all the restaurants and grocery stores in Moab.

In 1977, they started Western Home Sales. For the next 11 years they worked together selling new and used mobile homes. Side by side, they owned and operated several mobile home parks and developed Kane Springs Campground.

Charlie will be sadly missed by his children, Connie (Craig) Heath of Fallon, Nevada; Brenda Nelson of Moab; Debbie D. Nelson of Salt Lake City; Ed (Debbie Jean) Nelson of Dewey, Arizona; Anne (Larry) Walden of Moab; Ruth (Mike) Boersma of Clayton, Indiana; and Mary K. (Kevin) Conrad of Fruita, Colorado; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Clara and Arthur Nelson; his wife, Lucy; his son, Jim (JW) and his siblings, Hazel Stubblefield (Lloyd); Harry Nelson (Doris); Robert Nelson (Dorothy); and Katie Chronister.

Per his request there will not be a funeral. A celebration of his life for friends and family will be held at a later date.