Richard L Nelson

What a life! Beloved husband of Jean for 67 years. Devoted father of Lynn (Peter) Callaghan, Liz (Kirk) Wallendorf, Ruth Anne (Billy) Comeaux, Rachel (Don) Mastrangelo and David (Gretchen) Nelson; cherished grandfather of 16 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. A distinguished career in the United States Air Force. A man of faith. A life of service. Rich’s kindness, love of family and service to others defined his life.

Richard’s life began in a small farmhouse in Dexter, NM, the first born of Roy and Ruth Nelson. He was the first in his family to attend college. Upon graduation from New Mexico A & M (which later became New Mexico State University) in 1953, Rich entered the Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant. During his distinguished Air Force career, he flew the KC-97 and KC-135 tanker aircraft and held multiple command and control leadership positions. He retired as a Lt. Colonel after 24 years of dedicated service to our country, for which he received numerous awards including the Bronze Star. During his military career Rich met Jean, the love of his life. After a brief six-month courtship, Rich and Jean married, and they continued their love story for 67 years.

For almost 20 years, Rich was a proud and passionate member of the MOWW (Military Order of the World Wars) Catalina Mountains Chapter. He served on the command staff for over ten years, including two terms as Commander. His crowning achievement was the annual Massing of the Colors and Service of Remembrance, which he organized and led for more than 15 years. This service, held around Veterans' Day each year, honors our country, and the men and women who have served and are still serving to protect our liberties.

Rich lived his faith through service. A leader at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, serving as both Deacon and Elder. Rich built everything and anything that was needed. He slept on the floor with homeless men, helped settle homeless mothers and their children in permanent housing, fed the hungry. Year after year, he and Jean moved thousands of pounds of furniture for mothers and their children; drove across town hundreds of times to deliver lunches to the Casa Maria Soup Kitchen; performed more acts of services than can be recounted.

Rich Nelson is very, very loved. He touched the hearts and lives of many and will be missed by all. His life is an inspiration to all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life, 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 20th at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 9252 East 22nd Street, Tucson, AZ 85710. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Rich’s memory to a charity of your choice.