Frank C. Nelson

Frank C. Nelson was born June 3, 1926 to Frank W. Nelson and Pearl Wasson in Barnsdall, Oklahoma. He passed away Friday, September 25, 2015. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Frank graduated from Independence High School in Independence, Kansas in 1944 and immediately joined the United States Navy. He was trained to be an Aviation Ordinanceman at Whidbey Island in Washington. He was assigned to an aircraft squadron in San Diego, which shortly thereafter disbanded due to the end of the war in 1945. He was then transferred to Chicago where he served the remainder of his enlistment in the Shore Patrol. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. Following his discharge from the Navy, he enrolled at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Arts. While attending Kansas State, he met and married the love of his life, Patricia McKeeman. He completed his Master of Science degree from KSU in 1964. Frank and Pat moved to Carlsbad in 1958 to pursue teaching careers. He taught math and industrial arts at Alta Vista Junior High School and coached sports until he retired in 1985. He was a life member of Carlsbad Elks Lodge 1558. Frank is survived by his daughter, Christine and partner, Julie of Albuquerque; son, Eric of Council Grove, Kansas and daughter, Kathi and husband, Brock of Overland Park, Kansas. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Evan, Elle, Cassidy, Garett, Ian, Nicholas and Zachary and six great-grandchildren. Mr. Nelson was preceded in death by his son, Erin and his wife, Patricia of Carlsbad. The family would like to express their appreciation to those who befriended and cared for Mr. Nelson at Landsun Home and Hospice. In lieu of flowers, due to his love of Carlsbad, we request donations be made in his name to the Carlsbad Community Foundation, (fund of donors choice) 114 South Canyon Street, Carlsbad, NM. Services were held Monday, September 28, 2015 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home and interment followed in Carlsbad Cemetery. Pallbearers were Zachary Perich, Nicholas Perich, Evan Nelson, Cassidy Nelson, Elle Nelson and D. J. Woodfield. Honorary pallbearers were Myrl Moore, Joe Stell and David McCloskey. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.