Obituary of Charlie Dean Nelms

Charlie Dean Nelms March 01, 1933 - August 09, 2018 Charlie Dean Nelms, 85, passed away on August 9, 2018 at his home in Lovington, NM. Charlie was born on March 1, 1933 in Comanche, TX to Ernest C. Nelms and Beulah A. (Coggins) Nelms. Charlie’s grandmother, Ethel Nelms, helped raise him and his sister Vida. One of his favorite things to do as a child was go to the Saturday movies with his sister. Charlie graduated from Artesia High School in 1952 and then served in the Army, during the Korean War from 1953-1955. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. On December 23, 1957, he married his soulmate, Patricia M. Jones in Carlsbad, NM. Charlie and Patricia then moved to Portales, NM where they both attended ENMU. They both went on to have long careers at ENMU-Roswell. Charlie was the Director for the Campus Bookstore, Student Activities Director and taught racket ball. They moved to Artesia, in 1975, then to Hagerman in 1999 and to Lovington in 2002. Charlie loved to enter racket ball tournaments, roller skate, swim, water ski, collect treasures, as he called them, and spend time with his family. He was most proud of being a good husband, father, brother and friend. Charlie would help anyone in need and asked for nothing in return. He loved to tell stories, especially about his 1940 Ford and could keep you entertained for hours. Preceding him in death were his parents; a son Stanley Richard Nelms on November 18, 1971 and his wife of nearly 60 years, Patricia on August 9, 2017. Charlie and Patricia had a special love for each other that not many get to experience. They had such a strong bond, that they both passed away on the same date exactly one year apart. Their souls have been reunited and now their love story can continue. Surviving him are his daughters Claire and husband Dr. Cecil Halsell of Lovington, Elizabeth Nelms and Charlie Deanna Nelms, both of Lovington; one sister, Vida Stoner of Carlsbad, NM; nephew Steve and wife Jana Borland of Artesia and grandchildren: Noah Nelms, Aiden Nelms, Calista Halsell, Joesie Graham and Charlie Mya Lanning, all of Lovington. A Veteran’s Memorial Service will be held on a later date which is to be determined. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations to be made to The Alzheimer’s Association.