Larry Nelson

Larry A. Nelson of Evergreen, Colorado, passed away on April 6, 2022 in Evergreen. Larry was born on January 22, 1938, to Martin A. and Gladys B. (Collins) Nelson of Ruleton, Kansas. Larry was the eldest of six siblings, Leonard, Janice, Judy, Joyce and Lynn. He attended school in Ruleton, Wichita and Goodland and graduated in 1956 from Sherman County High School. Although flying as early as 9 with his father, Larry earned his pilot’s license while attending high school.

Larry went to Kansas State University where he studied Biology and joined the Air Force ROTC program. He was a member of Acacia Fraternity. After graduating from Kansas State, he joined the Air Force where he became a pilot instructor. He instructed at Moody Air Force base in Georgia. Planes he instructed in were the T-37 primary trainer, T-33 advanced trainer and the T-38. After 5 ½ years in the Air Force, Larry took a position with continental Airlines on the West Coast and flew Boeing aircraft 727 and 707 on continental and intercontinental flights. With a base transfer to Stapleton, Larry moved to Evergreen, Colorado, where he spent 50 years enjoying the mountains, fishing, hunting, and skiing. Larry retired from Continental Airlines in 1999 after 33 years. In retirement Larry purchased a 1946 J3 Cub aircraft where has no electrical system or radios. This was a similar airplane to the one his father, Martin taught him to fly during his high school years.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents.

Larry is survived by his wife Janice Park Nelson and his children, Mark, Todd (Sarah) Martine (Chuck Lee), Matt (Debra), and 7 grandchildren; his siblings, Leonard (Lorna), Janice (George Robert Dempsey), Judy Marturano, Joyce (Richard Jones), Lynn (Cynthia), and Uncle Carl Nelson, and nephews, nieces, and cousins.