Richard Kendrick Nelson was born February 10, 1945 in Wayne, Nebraska.  His parents, Oscar and Ann (Vollers) Nelson precede him in death as well as his infant brother, Phillip at the age of 2 weeks and his grandparents.  Significant in Richard's life story, "Special note to Grandpa Olaf Nelson – sent tickets back to Sweden so his wife and children could join him on the farm near Concord, Nebraska.  The tickets were sent to the wrong hamlet/community which turned out to be fortunate since they were tickets to board the Titanic."

Most of Richard's childhood was spent in the community of Laurel, Nebraska where fishing in the local creeks was his favorite pastime.  He graduated from Laurel High School with the class of 1963.  After a brief stint cooking for his brother in Wichita, Richard entered into the United States Marine Corps on September 10, 1963 where he proudly served his country during the Vietnam War.  He said it was God's mercy once again shown to him as he narrowly missed spending time in Vietnam on 3 different occasions.  Richard earned the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Sharpshooter Badge (M-14).  October 25, 1966 he was transferred to the Marine Corps Reserve and with the rank of Corporal was honorably discharged on July 14, 1969.

Richard married the delight of his life, Margaret Truitt on March 19, 1976.  A part of this union were Billy and Tabby with Ricky joining the family in 1978.  Margaret also precedes him in death on February 24, 1986 after her battle with cancer.

Remarrying on June 20, 1989, Richard was united with Charolette Kvols.  She was the sister to his high school chum, Jim and he had enjoyed his visits with her whenever he went to their farm.  She became the second joy of his life and he again felt God had blessed him with His mercy.  Christopher and Nicole were a part of this family as well.

Back home after his military service, Richard worked for an IH dealership in Ponca, Nebraska where he was a bookkeeper, a partsman, and an assemblyman.  During this time (1972-1973) he became acquainted with Denny and Nikki Carnell and they remained great friends to the end.  Then in 1973, Richard moved to Anthony, Kansas and cooked for his brother at Nelson's Restaurant until 1985.  He felt it was time to move on, so he became employed with the Santa Fe Railroad (later merging with Burlington Northern to become BNSF) and retired in September of 2013 after 28 years of service and at the age of 69.  Having moved to Attica when Marge passed, he built living quarters inside "The Shed" and spent his years enjoying the grandchildren.

Richard is survived by wife, Charolette Nelson of Omaha, Nebraska; son, Kendrick Ryan Nelson and wife, Kara of Attica; stepson, Billy Wayne Fly of Attica; stepdaughter, Tabbitha Dione Fly of Hutchinson; stepson, Christopher Bahm of St. Lois, Missouri; stepdaughter, Nicole Slaby of Omaha; grandchildren: Heather Fly, Kelsey (Keaton) Redlinger, Caeden (Kelsy) Fly, Cassie Hacker, Kendra Nelson, Kendall Nelson, and Konner Nelson; 5 great-grandchildren and 1 on the way; siblings: Monte Nelson of Mesa, Arizona; Larry Nelson of Anthony; Lauren (Connie) Nelson of Elgin, Nebraska; and Corrine (Don) Casey of Yankton, South Dakota; other relatives and friends.

Cremation has taken place.  Friends may register from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial service is 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home, Harper.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Richard K. Nelson Memorial Fund and can be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 613 W 14th ~ Harper, Kansas 67058 is assisting the family with the arrangements and service.