Michael Locke Nelson

Michael Locke Nelson died at the dawning of a new day on Monday, August 7, 2017 at home in the little community of Linden, just outside of Show Low, Arizona.  He was 84 years old.  Michael was born on a Monday, July 31, 1933 in Espanola, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico to his parents, the late Julius Jethel and Josie (Locke) Nelson.Michael was a true American and, within the few short years following his high school graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army during the height of the Korean War, serving from 1953 to 1955.  Though, he did not go overseas, Michael did have the privilege to serve on the Presidential Honor Guard during Dwight D. Eisenhower's administration.  He always considered that to be one of his life's choicest experiences.  Following his release from active duty in 1955, he transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve, where he served an additional 8 years.  After he was completely released from the military, Michael worked, for many years, as an engineering technician for the highway department of the State of New Mexico.  After, 25 years with the state, he was able to retire.  On June 1, 1975, Michael married Patricia Ann Briggs Burton in Las Cruces, New Mexico.  Most recently, the couple celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary together.  In 2006, he and Patty moved from the Pojoaque Valley in New Mexico to the White Mountains of Arizona, making their home in Linden.   Michael is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann "Patty" Nelson of Show Low, Arizona; 2 stepsons:  Chaplain Ron (Cindy) Burton of Houston, Texas, Randy (Barbara) Burton of Queen Creek, Arizona; 4 grandchildren:  Amanda (James) MacAlpine, Kimberly (John) Obenhaus, Lindsey Burton, Hannah Burton; 3 great-grandchildren:  Maddison MacAlpine, Ava MacAlpine, Norah MacAlpine and has a fourth, Emily Obenhaus, who is due in the coming days.  Michael is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.  Along with his parents, Michael was preceded in death by all of his siblings:  Harold Joseph Nelson, Richard Wayne Nelson, Nixon Charles Nelson, June Marie Collins, Mary Cecelia King, Elaine Smith, Mildred Nelson (as an infant) and one other unnamed infant.The graveside service, with military honors, will begin 12:45 P.M., Monday, August 14, 2017 at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N. Guadalupe Street in Santa Fe, New Mexico.