Richard D. Nelson, 88, lifetime Garfield resident, passed away peacefully at the Avalon Care Center on October 10, 2017. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, October 23 at the Garfield Christian Church with Rev. King Rockhill officiating.

Richard was born October 23, 1928 in Clarkston, Washington and he grew up in the Garfield area and attended Garfield schools. He graduated from Garfield High School.  He married JoAnne Cochran, his high school sweetheart, on February 21, 1947 and soon purchased the home where the couple lived for 66 years.

Richard worked a variety of jobs as a young man in Garfield including 21 years at the Garfield Union Hardware Store. He finished out his working career with 12 years at WSU as a maintenance mechanic. He retired at age 59 and he and Joanne enjoyed traveling, fishing and gardening.

He is survived by his son Dwain Nelson and his wife Jane of Tucson, Arizona and his daughter Susan Brooks and her husband Rob of Helena, Montana; grandchildren Jeff Nelson of Amboy, Washington, Michelle Cournyer of Toledo, Washington, Jenny Milmont of Phoenix, Arizona, Sami Milburn of Boise, Idaho and Joe & Matt Nelson of Moses Lake, Washington as well as nine great grandchildren Jake, Hallie and Nolan Cournyer, Dylan, Raelyn, Jeffrey, and Jessica Nelson and Brooklyn and Avery Milmont.  He was preceded in death by two sons, Gene and Dick Nelson and his wife JoAnne. 

Memorial contributions in Richard’s honor are suggested to the Garfield Cemetery Beautification fund, c/o James Storms, Box 235, Garfield, Washington 99130.

Kramer Funeral Home, Palouse is caring for the family.  You are invited to leave online condolences for the family at www.kramercares.com

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