Gilbert Bedell Nelson

Gilbert Nelson, 94, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, was called to his eternal resting place on December 19, 2017. He entered this world on June 16, 1923 in New York, NY, born to Gilbert and Rose Nelson. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Virginia Nelson; son, Gilbert Nelson and spouse, Carol Nelson; daughter, Barbara Lyon and deceased spouse, John Lyon; daughter, Eleanor Lucero and spouse, Marcel Lucero; son, Thomas Nelson and spouse, Jean Nelson; son, Matthew Nelson and spouse, Tammie Nelson; grandson, Marcel Lucero and spouse, Melanie Lucero; grandson, Stewart Lucero; granddaughter, Rachel Nelson; grandson, Dustin Nelson; grandson, Matthew Nelson and grandson, James Nelson; great-granddaughter, Mariella Lucero and great-grandson Aldo Stearnes.

Gilbert served in the Army in WWII from 1942 - 1945. He served in North Africa, Sicily, Rome Arno, Ardennes, Normandy and the Rhineland.

After Gilbert served his country he attended St. John’s University in Brooklyn, NY and received a bachelor’s Degree in Science (Chemistry), Magna cum Laude.

He began his career working at American Cyanamid in New Jersey as a Chemist. He continued as a Nuclear Chemist at Oakridge National Laboratory in Oakridge, TN. After that, Gilbert spent the next 23 years at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in Los Alamos, NM and worked as a Nuclear Chemist. After retiring from LANL he went to work for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Walnut Creek, CA and Washington, DC. He finished his career with the Atomic Energy Commission at the Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Production Facility near Denver, CO where he was instrumental in closing its operations.

Gilbert was passionate about literature, classical music and the arts. He enjoyed hiking especially at Bandelier National Monument. He also liked to fly fish and was an avid star gazer and loved astronomy. Gilbert was also very passionate about coin and stamp collecting.

A Rosary will be held Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Church of Incarnation, 2309 Monterey Road NE, Rio Rancho NM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Please visit our online guestbook for Gilbert at www.FrenchFunerals.com.

FRENCH – Westside

9300 Golf Course Rd NW

505-897-0300