Richard Allen Nelson, age 74 passed peacefully into heaven on June 12, 2026, with his wife, sister and brother-in-law by his side. 

He was born in Durango, Colorado to Marcella Mae and Jack Allen Nelson. After the passing of his father his mother married James A. Howieson (Jim). Richard was always proud to call him dad. The greatest compliment he ever got was when a co-worker said he was just like his dad, Jim. 

Richard spent all his school years in Farmington, New Mexico. He went on to graduate from NMSU where he was part of the rodeo team. He said you had to be really good or really stupid to rodeo, and he wasn't stupid so that ended his rodeo career. He remained a cowboy at heart. 

 He was a hard worker all his life, beginning as a grocery sacker. He had a paper-route while in grade school, getting up at 4:30 to deliver papers on his bike. He helped his dad lay gas drill lines on the weekends which led to a lifetime working various jobs in the oilfield eventually becoming a drill site supervisor. 

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf with his brothers-in-law. He filled a room with his personality, and making people laugh. He loved to tell stories. Which it was noted and often got bigger over the years. 

Richard is proceeded in death by his father Jack Nelson, his mother Marcella Howieson, his father Jim Howieson, sister-in-law Phyllis Henrie, and sister Charlotte Bradshaw. 

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kathleen Nelson, his sister Sandra (Charles) Werner of Oklahoma, sister-in-law Donna (Ed) Shuler of California, sister-in-law Deborah (Paul) Atkins of Idaho, brother-in-law Mark Bradshaw and many nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. 

We all miss his smile.