- Date Of Birth: March 16, 1944
- Date Of Death: September 20, 2021
- City: Sterling
- State: Colorado
Larry was born to John and Clara (Copley) Nelson on March 16, 1944, at St. Benedict Hospital in Sterling, CO. He attended Peetz school and graduated in 1962. He then attended Northeastern Junior College.
Larry made his choice to serve God and follow the teachings of Jesus at an early age and it was the most important choice in his life. Larry met Esther Cullip at a gospel meeting in Merino, CO. They fell in love and were married December 12, 1964, in Sterling. They enjoyed 56 years of marriage together and were blessed with 5 children: Paula, Shauna, Tamra, Brandon, and Byron.
From a young age, Larry’s desire was always to be a farmer. His career was a constant enjoyment and led him in many directions. He raised cattle, drove semi-trucks, custom harvested and owned a truck sales business. He drove the activity bus for Peetz High School and was a true Peetz Bulldog fan. He served on the Peetz School Board as a member and president for 8 years.
Larry became a pilot as a teenager and belonged to The Flying Farmers Organization. He shared his love of flying with many. Spending time and traveling with friends and family was a great joy where he rode horses and drove motorcycles, traveled in RV, vacationing in Glenwood Springs, cruising in the Caribbean, and spending winters in Arizona. He also enjoyed singing in the Centennial State Barbershop Chorus and several quartets. Larry lived throughout his life west of Peetz until moving to Sterling in 2015.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents John and Clara; siblings John LaVern, Paul (Dallas), Betty Lockhart, Stan (Lorna) and infant brother Lyman.
Larry is survived by his wife Esther Nelson of Sterling, CO; 5 children and spouses: Paula (Jay) Poulignot of Cheyenne, WY; Shauna Carpenter of Ft. Morgan, CO; Tamra (Wayne) Ashburn of Sterling, CO; Brandon (Katie) Nelson of Timnath, CO and Byron (Chandra) Nelson of Peetz, CO; 17 grandchildren: Janae (Erik) Workman, Jerica (Kelly) Schuebel, Jayden, and Jace Poulignot; Cody, Colton and Kyla Carpenter; Beau and Anna Ashburn; Peyton, Aiden and Paisley Nelson; Skye, Jagger and Blakely Nelson; and 6 great-grandchildren: Madilyn, Maxton, Meredith, Lincoln, Kinley and Anika.
He is also survived by siblings: Lloyd (Arlee) Nelson of Burnett, TX; Jim Nelson of Greeley, CO; Arlo (Jody) Nelson of Albuquerque, NM; Connie (Dennis) Hawes of Ft. Morgan, CO; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Pauline Nelson of Sterling, CO; Mel Lockhart of Sterling, CO; Dale (Connie) Cullip of Sterling, CO. and Linda (Larry) Tramp of Merino, CO.
