Carl "Sarge" Ray Nelson

“Sarge” Carl Ray Nelson, 93, of Copan, Joined his beloved wife Paula (Rollins) Nelson in heaven on Thursday, October 24, 2024. Sarge was born July 31, 1931, in Bartlesville, to Alfred Pete Nelson and Daisy Clara (Jones) (Nelson) Lamb. He grew up in Bartlesville, attending numerous schools there, including Jefferson, Horace Mann, Garfield, and Central. In his younger years, he had attended school in Ramona for a time, as well. Sarge entered the U.S. Army in 1951 and served his country for twenty years, retiring as a Sergeant. During his years of service, he was awarded the Silver Star in Vietnam, which was presented to him by General Westmoreland. He served during Korea, Vietnam and the Six Day War, and was also part of the Occupation Forces to rebuild following World War II. Sarge’s Basic training was completed in Fort Chaffee. He was a gunner with the 105 in the Korean War and served as an escort in an armored car. He spent two years in Korea, turning the age of 21 while there, and then returned to Fort Sill. Sarge re-enlisted and became an MP in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he was in post protection and security. He was then sent to Germany, where he was an MP with the border and post control. Sarge served two tours in Vietnam as an engineer. The Army stationed him at Fort Riley, Kansas, and then in Africa and Libya, and back to Germany. Towards the end of his military career, Sarge was a Reserve Advisor right before he retired. After his honorable discharge, Sarge worked on construction all over the world, including for Bechtel Steele and HC Price pipelines. He also worked in the Hulah Office of the Corps of Engineers. In addition to his jobs in construction, he owned and operated Sarge’s Outpost at Hulah Lake in the 1970s and was a member of the Hulah Lake Senior Citizens. He was a “jack of all trades” and was a hard-working family man. He helped raise two of his grandchildren, Melanie Anderson and Dalen Jackson Jr. In 2006, Sarge moved in with his daughter Carolyn and her family. Sarge’s hobbies included hunting, fishing, trains, and chasing storms. He loved doing pretty much anything with his youngest son, Christopher. Sarge was an amazing cook. Grandson Chase said grandpa’s curry was the best! He enjoyed playing games and was great at Trivial Pursuit. He was the best Pitch player of all. Sarge loved to dance, and he made sure he taught his daughters, Carolyn and Darla. The beloved family man will be dearly missed, but his memories will live on in his family’s hearts. Survivors include six children, Darla Bohannon and husband Dennis, Dalen Jackson Sr. and wife Sherry, Carolyn Osborne and husband Tony Sr., Carl “Charlie” Nelson Jr., Jasen Johnson and wife Bella, and Christopher Nelson; two foster daughters, Margie Blevins and husband Larry, and Veronica Wade and husband Brandon; 30 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 24 great-great-grandchildren, and one great-great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Paula Nelson; parents, Alfred and Daisy Nelson; stepsons, Rodney Jackson, Gary Jackson, and Paul Jackson; daughter, Nancy Platt; brothers, Alfred Pete “Buddy” Nelson Jr., and Edward James Nelson; sisters, Mary Gardner, and Ruth Coker; stepsister, Melba Williams. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hulah Lake Senior Citizens in honor of Sarge. Sarge’s family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, October 31, 2024, at Davis Family Funeral Home – Dewey Chapel, 113 S. Osage Ave., Dewey, OK 74029, 918-534-3030. Visitation will also be held that same day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, November 1, 2024, at Davis Family Funeral Home – Dewey Chapel with the Rev. Bill Long officiating. Interment will follow at Dewey Cemetery. Following the graveside, lunch will be provided at Dewey First Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis Family Funeral Home – Dewey Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Carl "Sarge" Ray Nelson

July 31, 1931 - October 26, 2024