Rick Nelson, of Cripple Creek Colorado, entered eternal life on July 4, 2026. He leaves behind the love of his life Mindy, his wife of 49 years. He also leaves behind his son Joshua, daughter-in-law Ashley, grandson Elijah, as well as foster-grandkids who he treated just life family. He is also survived by his daughter Katy Beth (Gerald) Elliott, mother, Alice Culvahouse, sister Francis (Scott) King, nephew Scottie, and grand-nephews.  He is also survived by brothers-in-law Jonathan (Annie) Walling and Andrew (Karen) Walling, and sister-in-law Becky (Mike) Lopez, along with nieces and nephews., and many good friends and much loved coworkers.  He had a way of making people feel comfortable and cared for, and was dearly loved by those who knew him.

On September 25, 1955 this world was changed forever, for the good, when Richard Don Nelson was born. Born in Torrence California, Rick was raised in Clovis New Mexico and Bovina Texas. 

Rick enjoyed many days as a young kid on the farm with his step-dad learning life lessons and how to be resourceful. Growing up he had many experiences that would help to shape his life for decades to come; learning how to be ornery from his grandpa, attending military school, going through survival training, clearing trails of rattlesnakes, and learning how to love and appreciate nature.

Rick met Mindy on the CB radio when his “handle” was “Thumper” and hers was “Dill Pickle.” Even though they were from different states, the Lord drew them together. When they met in person Rick asked for a glass of water. Mindy asked him if he wanted it on him or in him, he told her he would take it however she wanted to give it to him. So, she poured the glass of water over his head. A month later he asked her to marry him after a conversation about what you would get if you put Thumper and Dill Pickle together. They decided they would have “Thumpin’ Pickles,” which they did many years later.

Rick worked a wide variety of jobs and had a large range of interests and expertise. For twenty-two years he worked at a steel grating factory in maintenance, and in management. He also worked and specialized in safety and compliance at various companies. Most recently, Rick worked Security at the Colorado Grande and Johnny Nolon’s Casinos where he made a large and lasting impact, with coworkers and guests alike. 

Rick was also an excellent cook and loved to serve and take care of people. His tender heart was often expressed by joking with and teasing those he loved. A natural jokester, Rick took every opportunity to laugh and teach others how to love life and look on the bright side.

Rick’s loving and pleasant disposition was only possible because of his steady and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Above anything else, Rick wanted folks to know and experience the love of Jesus and the hope and peace that he found in his Savior. Rick’s life was not always easy, in fact, in many ways it could be categorized by many seasons of pain and sorrow. However, Rick knew that even in the darkness, there is light. His faith in Jesus was the thing that kept him moving forward in difficult seasons and lifted him in the midst of heartache. 

A celebration of Rick’s life will be held at Rocky Mountain Chapel, 4240 Co Rd 1 in Cripple Creek, on July 21 at 11 am with a taco lunch to follow.