C. LeRoy Nelson

Christian "Leroy" Nelson

May 29, 1932 - June 12, 2018

A graveside service was held for Christian "Leroy" Nelson, 86, of Coos Bay, at 2 p.m., Friday, June 15, at Sunset Memorial Park in Coos Bay. Pastor Bill Moldt of Hauser Community Church will officiate. He passed away peacefully after a long struggle with Parkinson's disease and congestive heart failure.

He was born May 29, 1932 in North Bend, to Christian Nels Nelson and Bessie Mae (Calhoun) Nelson. Leroy lived his entire life in the Bay Area. He graduated from North Bend High School in 1951. He spent most of his work life driving trucks; eventually owning and driving his logging trucks.

He was passionate about antique automobiles, owning and restoring several over the course of his life. Leroy served as past president of the Model A Club in the Bay Area. He attended Hauser Community Church for years. In his younger years he enjoyed water skiing and later driving snowmobiles.

Leroy was preceded in death by his second wife, Joy (Brainard) Nelson; and his daughter, Melody Homer.

He is survived by his wife, Mary (Steele) Nelson of Coos Bay; his eldest daughter, Dr. Cynthia "Cindy" (Lockhart) Peterson of of Scottsdale, Ariz. and husband, Kelowna of British Columbia; his son, Chris Nelson of Coos Bay; his grandson, Kory Dawson of Coos Bay; stepchildren, Cathy and Doyle Hall of North Bend, Carola Jenson of North Bend, Tom and Deb Steele of North Bend, Mike and Diane Steele of Coos Bay, Dan and Molly Steele of North Bend, John Steele of Eugene, and Mary and Bob Hines of Eugene; 17 stepgrandchildren; and numerous stepgreat-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

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