Otis Franklin Nelson

Otis Franklin Nelson, 81, passed away peacefully on September 8 after a long period of declining health.

Otis F. Nelson was born on August 9, 1943, son of Franklin H. and Delta E. (Jones) Nelson in Thermopolis, Wyo. He was the seventh of nine children. Otis graduated from HSCHS in Thermopolis in 1961.

After high school Otis attended college and played football NWCC (Northwest College) in Powell, Wyo. He enlisted in the Navy in 1966 and spent the majority of his Naval career on the USS Spinax, a diesel electric powered submarine and reached the rank of E-5. He was honorably discharged on October 16, 1969.

After being discharged from the Navy Otis returned to college and played football at Eastern Montana College in Billings. After college he went to work for Hardy Construction in Billings as a laborer. He worked his way through their carpentry apprentice program and eventually became master carpenter in charge of many projects such as building schools and shopping malls. He worked his entire career for Hardy, retiring in 2005.

Otis enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, carpentry work (even after he retired) and spending time with his family. In his later years he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and great grandkids.

Survivors include his daughter, Tawni Frickel and her husband Randy of Laurel, Mon.; brothers, Melvin and his wife Eilene of Douglas, Wyo., Richard and his wife Janie of Casper, Wyo., Arlie of Shepard, Mont., and Rodney and his wife Stella of Cheyenne, Wyo.; and brother-in-law, John Hart of Riverton, Wyo. He is also survived by three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Otis was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mildre; and brothers, Earl, Don and Doug.

Otis has been cremated and his cremains will be buried at the Monument Hill Cemetery in Thermopolis, with full military honors, on September 21, 2024 at 11 a.m.