Fred "Ricky" Nelson

Fred “Ricky” Nelson, 66, passed away on December 5, 2023, at his home in Aurora, Colorado. A graduate of Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, Fred joined the U.S. Army, serving at various locations including Ft. Polk, Louisiana; Wiesbaden, Germany; Fairbanks, Alaska; Huntsville, Alabama; Camp Casey, South Korea; Fort Irwin, California; SHAPE, Belgium; and AFCENT, The Netherlands. He retired in Aurora, Colorado. 

Post-retirement, Fred, encouraged by his wife, took a year-long break to relax and explore new career paths. He worked at the Denver International Airport and later became an entrepreneur, founding a commercial cleaning business. In 1996, he was appointed Director of Independence House, a residential community correction center in and serving the Denver-Metro area. 

Fred was celebrated for his generosity, always ready to offer help or advice. He was an avid gardener, renowned for his green thumb, and enjoyed fishing and cooking.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 47 years, Kyong "Connie" Nelson, and daughter Marsha Nelson. He is also survived by his mother, Rena B. Franklin; brother, David Nelson; sisters, Cathy (Howard) Franklin-Sewell, Carolyn Franklin, and Angela Franklin; nephews, Terry and Jermain Nelson; and great-nephew, Lincoln Nelson; uncle Earnest Lee Nelson; and aunt, Lula Mae Nelson. Fred was predeceased by his father, Frazier Parker, Jr., and brother, L.C. Franklin, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at Horan & McConaty Funeral Service and Cremation on Friday, December 22, at 11:00 AM, followed by burial at Ft. Logan National Cemetery at 1:30 PM.