RONALD AUGUST "RON" NELSON

1939 - 2023

Ron was born in Albany, California, to Isabel and Gus Nelson. Soon after World War II, this small family moved to Jamestown, where Ron, as a young boy, helped his parents operate their small gas station and pool hall. This is where Ron developed his lifelong love of cars. Jamestown was a fascinating place for a boy to grow up. He lived just a block from the Sierra Railroad Depot, where he spent his days wandering the old rail yard and watching Hollywood film companies make movies, like "High Noon."
During his growing up years, Ron suffered a severe burn to his leg, which resulted in him contracting tetanus. The doctors put him in a coma and worked feverishly to save his leg. After painful skin grafts and much therapy, they were successful in saving his leg and, thereafter, he was able to live a normal life.
In June 1965, he married the love of his life, Leslie Stowers, and they took pride in raising their three boys, Tony, Kevin and Erik. They were married 58 years.
Ron had a long and fulfilling career with the U.S. Forest Service as a shop foreman and equipment manager. About 15 years ago, he developed Parkinson's disease and struggled with this until his stroke in early August. About a week thereafter, he passed from mortality to be with his Father in Heaven and their beloved Tony, who died as a young man many years earlier.
A memorial service will be held for Ron at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 19481 Hillsdale Drive, Sonora, California.
In lieu of flowers, any donations to Adventist Health Hospice would be appreciated.