Charles Vernon Nelson

Class of 1947


1946 Maroon SpotlightVernon Nelson
Vernon Nelson

F.F.A. ’44-’46

Charles Vernon Nelson

November 15, 1928 – October 12, 2013

Charles Vernon Nelson, 84, of Lucien passed from this life on Oct 12, 2013 with his loving family by his side.

Services have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home of Perry and a service celebrating his life will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 2:00 pm at the Lucien United Methodist Church in Lucien, OK with Ruth Atterberry officiating.

The son Ira Vernon and Anna Matilda (Rupp) Nelson he was born on November 15, 1928, in Kansas City, Missouri. He was raised and attended schools in the Lucien area.

Immediately following his graduation from Perry High School in 1947, he joined the U.S. Air Force. While in the USAF, Charles served as part of the occupation forces in Japan. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Lucien and enrolled in Greyhound bus driver school in Dallas, TX. Charles worked for several months as a bus driver before marrying Pauline Munger in Lucien in 1949.

Charles and Pauline moved to a family farm and dairy outside of Lucien where Charles would farm for more than four decades.

In the 1950’s, Charles worked as roughneck and in 1960 he purchased the first self-propelled swather in the area and began cutting hay fields for farmers all over northern Oklahoma. Charles and Pauline sold their dairy to their son Lon in 1976 and moved back into Lucien.

Following Pauline’s death in 1981, Charles began delivering papers all over northern Oklahoma and he went to work at the C-Stop in Perry.

In 1997, while working at the C-Stop, he met and married his favorite customer, Mary Ellen Thompson.

In 2010, Charles retired from farming but continued to deliver papers to his customers until his health forced him into retirement.

Charles enjoyed collecting antiques and antique toys and he found joy in spending time with his grandchildren.

He was a talented musician and he loved to play the organ and sign old gospel hymns.

He was a longtime member of the Lucien United Methodist Church. Charles Nelson was a proud member of the Lucien community and he appreciated the prayers, kind acts, and thoughtful gestured displayed by the residents of Lucien during his illness.

The family wishes to thank Judith Karman Hospice, Dr. Blake Baird, and Dr. Kara Pence for their care and compassion during this difficult time.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Ira Vernon and Anna Matilda (Rupp) Nelson, and his first wife, Pauline.

He is survived by his wife, Mary of the home; three children, Charles Thomas Nelson and wife, Nancy of Douglas, OK, Lon Ray Nelson of Portland, OR, Paula Janice Duncan and husband, Rick of Oklahoma City, OK; a sister, Sherrill Ann Smith of Champaign, IL; six grandchildren, Troy Duncan and wife, Suzanne of Piedmont, OK, Jill Duncan of Keller, TX, Nathan Nelson and Vanessa of Broken Arrow, OK, Karrah Cronister and husband, James, of Kellyville, OK, Hannah Nelson of Edmond, OK, Julia Bacher and husband, Mike, of Tulsa, OK; seven great grandchildren, Aubrey, Cameron, Bryson, and Hayden Duncan, Georgia and Austin Bacher, and Landry Cronister.

Charles was cremated and buried near his parents in McGuire Cemetery.