Charles Vernon Nelson

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 Friday, October 18, 2013 at 2:00 pm at the Lucien United Methodist Church in Lucien, OK with Rev. Ruth Atterberry officiating. Vernon was born on November 15, 1928 to Ira Vernon and Anna Matilda (Rupp) Nelson in Kansas City, Missouri. Vernon was raised and attended schools in the Lucien area. He graduated from Perry High School in 1947 and immediately joined the U.S. Air Force. While in the USAF, Vernon 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. Vernon worked for several months as a bus driver before marrying Pauline Munger in Lucien in 1949. Vernon and Pauline moved to a family farm and dairy outside of Lucien where Vernon would farm for more than four decades. In the 1950"s, Vernon worked as roughneck and in 1960 he purchased the first self-propelled swather in the area. Vernon and Pauline sold their dairy to their son Lon in 1976 and moved into Lucien. Following Pauline"s death in 1981, Vernon 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, Vernon retired from farming but continued to deliver papers to his customers until his health forced him into retirement. Vernon 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 sing old gospel hymns. He was a longtime member of the Lucien United Methodist Church. Vernon was a proud member of the Lucien community and he appreciated the prayers, kind acts, and thoughtful gestures 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. Vernon 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, Tom Nelson and wife, Nancy of Douglas, OK, Lon Nelson of Portland, OR, Paula 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 and Daniel 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. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Vernon"s name to the Lucien United Methodist Church Food Pantry Program. Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.perrycares.com

10/18/2013
02:00 PM

Memorial
Lucien Methodist Church

Lucien
OK