Paul Carlton Nelson

Paul C. Nelson Jr., 88, of Corvallis passed away on Sunday, August 25, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Paul was born December 22, 1935, near Northwood, Iowa at his parents’ farm during a snowstorm. He later moved to Clear Lake, Iowa and then a farm near Ventura, Iowa. He graduated from Ventura High School in 1953 and was active in football, student council, choir, special choir, and band. When Paul graduated, helped his dad on the farm for about one year. After his father quit farming, Paul held jobs making clay and concrete tiles. He attended one year at Luther College where he sustained a head injury and was in a coma for four days. Upon recovery, Paul joined the United States Marine Corps from 1956-1959.

In 1959, Paul married the love of his life, Marcine, and they lived in San Diego. A few months after the marriage, his enlistment in the USMC ended and he began working as a heavy equipment operator. Paul and Marcine had two children: Wayne in 1961 and Rebecca in 1964. In 1966, they moved to Tempe, Arizona, where Paul joined the Tempe Fire Department and worked until his retirement as captain in 1986.

Paul and Marcine retired to Corvallis in 1986. He enjoyed fishing, family, church, his dogs, and gardening. Paul was a member of the Gideons since the early 90s. He became a member of Corvallis Community Church soon after moving to Corvallis where he served as a Sunday school treasurer, member of the church board, music director, deacon, and an Elder. Paul loved to sing gospel music and often did solos for church services and funerals.

Paul is survived by his wife, Marcine of Corvallis; son, Wayne and wife, Diane of Potomac; daughter, Rebecca and husband, Bobby of Grand Prairie, Texas; four grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; 4 Great-great grandchildren; sister, Sharon Stoll of Livonia, Michigan; and multiple nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Paul C. Nelson Sr., mother, Thelma Nelson, and brother, Richard Nelson.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Nelson, Bobby Brady, Joshua Taylor, Ryan Taylor, Andrew Taylor, and Keith Zander.

Visitation will be held Sunday, September 1, 2024, from 2:00 until 4:00 pm at the Daly-Leach Chapel.  Funeral Services will be held Monday, September 2, 2024, at 11:00 am at Corvallis Community Church with burial to follow at the Corvallis Cemetery.  There will be a reception following the burial at the Corvallis United Methodist Church. The family suggests memorials be made to the Gideons.