Cecil Stanley Nelson

Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, he is free at last!!! Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Cecil Stanley Nelson passed peacefully surrounded by his family and into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Sunday March 6, 2016. Cecil was born in Mazzard, AR, before it was incorporated into Fort Smith, AR, on February 13, 1927. He was the second born, oldest son to Joseph Franklin Nelson and Mary Viola Harriman Nelson. He grew up and attended school in Mazzard, AR, until he enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. He served on the USS President Jackson (APA-18) until the end of the war. He moved from Arkansas to California where he met his sister-in-law Carmelita’s best friend Leona Lee Chesney. They were married March 30, 1951, and would have celebrated 65 years together this year. They raised four children; three sons and one daughter. Cecil was a godly man and LOVED his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ very much. He spent time each morning with Him and shared his Lord’s love theirs. He was a man of integrity and when he gave you his word, he stood by it. He thought of others before himself and was considerate and respectful to everyone. He was satisfied and very thankful for what he had in life. He was employed at Rinehart Supply in Whittier, CA for 32 years. He had many customers who became his friends over the years, only allowing him to help them when they visited the store. When he retired the store closed one year later. He taught himself locksmithing in a course he took through the mail, using this talent to help others wherever he could. He enjoyed working with wood making many wonderful pieces we now treasure. He is survived and will be greatly missed by: his wife, Leona Lee Chesney Nelson; his sons: Stanley Ray (Jun) Nelson, Etiwanda, CA, Dana Jay Nelson, Whittier, CA; daughter: Celia Jane Nelson Barry (Ronald) St. George, UT; daughter-in-law: Katy Nelson, North Carolina; grandchildren: Richard Arlen Barry, Roseville, CA, Kathryn Renee Barry Bradshaw (James) Hurricane, UT; Daniel Leon Nelson Seattle, WA; his sisters: Martha Graham (Gene) El Paso, TX, Mary Sue Woolever Cedarville, AR, Shirley Blythe (Nelson) Cedarville, AR, Norma Jean Vera El Paso, TX; sister-in-law Carmelita Nelson; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by: his parents; his son Joseph Leon Nelson; granddaughter, Katie Jo Nelson; his brothers: Wayne Nelson, Bill Nelson, and Charles Nelson; and his sisters: Frances Carter, Carmen Vincent, and Carolyn Wood. Words are not adequate enough to express our appreciation to all the many staff and care givers, past and present from Kolob Care. You have traveled this road of Alzheimer’s with Mom and me for these past eleven plus years and we know you made our journey easier. It takes a special person to do your jobs and you are all amazing. May God bless each and every one of you. We will be having a Celebration of Cecil’s life Saturday, April 23, 2016 at Tonaquint Park 2 p.m. Come join us!

Cecil Stanley Nelson

February 13, 1927 - March 6, 2016