Joseph Nelson

Joseph Charles Nelson (Bud) rode off into Heaven’s sunset on Sept 2nd, 2024. He was born in Farmington, New Mexico on December 23rd, 1935 to Leland and Jessie Nelson. Together, they instilled in Bud both a strong work ethic and a strong moral compass. He attended a one room schoolhouse in New Mexico and went on to graduate from Kirtland Central High School in 1953.

On June 8th, 1956, he married the love of his life, Judy Nelson, whom he was married to for 68 years. Together, they built a life and a legacy of love and faith. They had two kids; Joey Nelson and Stephanie Myers (Nelson). Bud and Judy’s home became a haven for their family and extended family. Their door was always open to anyone that needed a place to call ‘home’. Bud served his country in the Navy. Later, he worked, and retired, from El Paso Natural Gas. He was an avid hunter, an incredible fastpitch catcher, he loved to play cowboy polo and he enjoyed taking Judy out dancing; and boy could they dance. After retirement, Bud had more time to pursue his true passion; farming and taking care of his herd of cows. He taught his family countless life lessons on those acres of farmland, including how to give more than you take and, to always “get the gate”. 

If you were looking for Bud, there were a few places you could count on finding him - On his tractor working or irrigating his fields at the Farm, driving his grandkids in the back of his blue truck as they journeyed on one of their many adventures, hunting and camping with his son and grandsons, with his great grandkids down by the river skipping rocks, or on the sidelines of a ball game or rodeo cheering on his family. He also was known for his magic of putting any baby to sleep in his recliner. 

There is a saying from Francis of Assisi that says to “Preach Always and Use Words if Necessary.” This message perfectly describes the life Bud lived. He was a humble and hardworking man of his word. Unfortunately, they just don’t make them like him anymore. If you knew Bud, you were forever changed and better because of it. 

Bud is preceded in death by his parents Leland and Jessie, His brother Jake Nelson, His sisters Emma Wethington, Lorraine Martin and Daughter in Law Dana Nelson. He is survived by his wife, Judy; children, Joey Nelson and Stephanie Myers; Sister, Arline (Ken); Grandkids; Angela Slone (Jeremy), Jessica Reynolds (Greg), Lyndsae Nelson, Ryan Nelson, Dawn Myers Dils (Alan), Danielle Foutz (Jed), Dustin Myers (Deedee), Dalyn Myers and his Great Grandkids; Ryleigh, Brenyn, Ayla, Zane, Chance, Dayton, Parker, Strater, Payton, Tinley, Oakley, Dempsey, Ridge and Dawson. 

In the spirit of Bud, do something good for someone and make their load a little lighter.

A family service will be held at a future time.