Sgt Richard Paul Nelson of Fort Collins, Colorado, died February 8, 2015. One of his requests were flags and motorcycles at his memorial service. Please help honor a military hero.

Genie Mjelde and Erik Klinger, both dear friends of mine who I have talked about many times and have volunteered countless hours for American Military Family and Honor Flight Northern Colorado, recently lost a family member here in Northern Colorado.

Sgt Richard Paul Nelson, United States Air Force, passed away on Sunday, February 8 from a very short battle with cancer.

SSgt Richard Paul Nelson - Photo courtesy of the Nelson family
SSgt Richard Paul Nelson - Photo courtesy of the Nelson family
loading...

Sgt Nelson served our country well in the United States Air Force between April 30, 1970 to April 25, 1973 as a linguist during the Vietnam era. He worked directly for the NSA out of Fort Meade on high level security issues. After serving he went to college then worked locally here in Northern Colorado at Kodak for 28 years before retiring as a supervisor.

One wish Sgt Richard Paul Nelson had for his funeral/memorial service was to have lots of flags and motorcycles at his service since he so dearly loved his country and our beautiful flag. He lived by it's creed and code and it's my hope you will join me in honoring a man who was full of honor and loyalty to the United States of America. This is a two-part ceremony so please try and plan on being at one if not both:

  • There will be a flag line at Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church (5450 South Lemay Ave.) Thursday, February 11 in Fort Collins at 8:30 a.m. for his funeral mass.
  • There will be a flag line at Resthaven Cemetery (8426 S. Hwy 287) in Fort Collins Saturday, February 14 at 11:30 a.m.

If you plan on attending to hold a flag, please be on site 30 minutes before listed times. Also, ff you are in the Greeley area on Thursday, February 12 or Saturday, February 14, I will leave from the Kum and Go on 20th St and 71st Ave one hour prior to times listed above so 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. respectively if you care to ride up with me.

Sgt Nelson is survived by his wife Phyllis, his children Mark who is active duty (MSgt) USAF for 19 years and just returned from an Afghanistan deployment, Mandy who retired from the USAF with the rank of Staff Sgt. Chris, Ruth and eight grandchildren.

Flag at half-staff - Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images News
Flag at half-staff - Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images News
loading...

More From K99