Richard Lee Nelson, 75, passed away unexpectedly December 31st 2024 at Hillcrest South in Tulsa OK. He was born September 8th 1949 in Vinita OK, the son of Lonzo “Dick” Nelson and Caroline (Bennett).
Richard dropped out of school in the 10th grade to start working full time and then joined the Army in January 1968 where he received the National Defense Service Medal & The Parachute Badge. He was a Sergeant for the 82nd Airborne and was honorably discharged in January 1971. After the Army Richard joined the Operating Engineers Union where he was a member till his passing. Richard married Carol Jean Schumann on March 25th 1977 and to the union 3 sons were born…David, Duane & Derek.
Richard loved to work on cars and there wasn’t much he couldn’t fix. He loved to fish, play dominos and drink cold beer.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Doris.
Richard is survived by his sons David Nelson, Duane Nelson & Derek Nelson and his wife Amy, all of Cushing OK; 6 grandchildren Avery, Renzi, Teague, Avery, Ciera & Annaka and many nieces and nephews.
Richard had spoken on several occasions that he didn’t want a funeral so the family had a Celebration of Life on January 4th 2025 and will hold a family gathering later this year.
