William Nelson

William Farrell Nelson passed peacefully at home, in his bed, on February 12th, 2024.

He lived in Show Low, Arizona with his only child, Tim Nelson, and Tim's wife, Tonya.

Tim and Tonya would like to express their heartfelt THANKS and appreciation for all the care, comfort and assistance Accord Hospice gave to not just William,but the whole family. Accord Hospice made it possible for Tonya to care for him right up to the end.

William was born in Bisbee, Arizona on November 24th, 1936, to mother, Lora Mortenson Nelson and father, Joseph Morris Nelson. William grew up in Elfrida, Arizona and spent time with relatives in Missouri.

William joined the United States Army and spent his early 20's in Germany serving his country. He started in medicine and after a traumatic night in the ER he transferred to the Transportation Unit. He became a driver and enjoyed the rest of his time in the service.

William worked for ADOT for 25+ years in Show Low, Arizona. He worked on big diesel motors for snowplows and heavy equipment and trucks. Rebuilding the large diesel engines was a passion of his. He serviced state vehicles and even law enforcement vehicles.

William helped establish the EAA Chapter 586 in the White Mountains of Arizona. He had friends in pioneering aviation on many levels, gyrocopters to jets. He loved them all. Anything to fly or soar. His love of aviation led to him building his own Rans S12 Airaile! He also spent time working on aircraft after his retirement from the state of Arizona. He was a judge at the Copperstate Fly-In for several years. William attended EAA Airventure OshKosh for decades making it his yearly vacation.

William also had a love of automobiles. He raised his son Tim to be a 3rd generation Mopar Man! He loved his Chargers and his Dodge Ram Pickup Trucks.

William was always neat and tidy, pressed and organized. His attention to detail was a blessing whether it was automotive or aircraft he was wrenching on. William could strike up a conversation with anyone, and talked to several famous people, treating everyone the same. He was proud of being a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, born into the church. His family helped build the church in Elfrida, Arizona.

William was preceded i death by his father, Joseph Nelson; mother, Lora Nelson; sister, Erna Mae Newman; his brothers, Joseph Nelson, Carlos Nelson, Hugh Nelson and Charles Nelson; his beloved wife, Imogene (Jeanie) Ruth Hastings Nelson.

William is survived by his son, Timothy F. Nelson, and his wife, Tonya, of Show Low, Arizona; Grandson, William F, Nelson, Jr. and his wife Nicky of Mesa, Arizona; Grandson, Alekzander R. Nelson & Grandson Christian D. Maxfield, both of Show Low, Arizona;

Great-Granddaughter, Jaydenn E. Nelson, of Edgemont, South Dakota; Grandpuppy Silky Terrier, RJ Pupperson Nelson and Great-Grandpuppy Pomeranian, Rias Renesmee Elaine Nelson.

William's viewing is 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm on Friday, March 1st, 2024, at Owens Livingston Mortuary Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street, Show Low, Arizona. After the viewing William will have his last ride in the back of a Dodge Ram, as he wanted. There will be a graveside service at the Pinedale Cemetery, before he is laid to rest. His viewing and graveside service are open to anyone who wants to attend.