Charles Edward Nelson

1942-2025

Charles Edward Nelson, 82, entered Heaven on July 14, 2025, at Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, on his 58th wedding anniversary.

Charles (“Chuck” to family and friends) was born on August 8, 1942, to Jack and Thelma Nelson in Denver, Colorado. After graduating from high school there in 1960, and on his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving five years as a helicopter crew chief. Stationed in Arizona and Germany, and a brief stint to Greenland, Chuck earned the rank of Specialist Fifth Class. His years of service shaped him deeply, and he carried a lifelong pride in his country and in wearing the uniform.

After completing his military service, Chuck returned to Denver, where he met the love of his life, Phyllis. The two married on July 14, 1967, at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, beginning a 58-year journey of faith, family, and adventure. Together they raised three children and were blessed with six grandchildren.

Chuck spent much of his professional life in sales across multiple industries, living in Colorado, Indiana, New Mexico, and Texas. It was in Albuquerque, after eight years of marriage, that he and Phyllis experienced a spiritual renewal that shaped his calling to ministry. Initially credentialed with the Assemblies of God, Chuck later returned to his Presbyterian roots, being ordained in the Presbyterian Church in 1998. He faithfully served several congregations as a Commissioned Lay Pastor before joining the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where he was ordained in 2014. Over the years, he pastored Hubbard, Newberry, and St. Mark Cumberland Presbyterian Churches, and in recent years was a beloved member and Sunday school teacher at St. Timothy Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth.

His deepest ministry passion was for the inner city of Fort Worth. For more than a decade, Chuck faithfully preached at Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County every Sunday and Wednesday, forging lasting relationships and sharing his faith with countless lives.

Outside of ministry, Chuck had a lifelong love of aviation. A licensed private pilot, he treasured every chance to fly and, later in life, spent hours at his computer’s flight simulator, “flying” across the skies from home. He was equally known for his love of driving, often taking his family on “shortcuts” that, as his children fondly recall, were never quite short.

Chuck is survived by his devoted wife, Phyllis Nelson; their children, Becky Nelson of Chicago, Illinois; Scott and his wife Patty Nelson of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Amy and her husband Rocky Lozano of Oak Point, Texas; as well as six grandchildren: Jordan Sharifi, Maddie Lozano, Abby Nelson, Bella Nelson, Tanner Lozano, and Brody Lozano. He is also survived by his brother, John Nelson, and sister, Jan (with her husband Bill) Pakalka of Houston. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Nelson; mother, Thelma Nelson Humbracht; and sister, Mary Jean 'Jeannie' Foss.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

Saint Timothy Cumberland Presbyterian Church

3001 Forest Ridge Dr.

Bedford, TX 76021.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations made in Chuck’s memory to be directed to the Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County, TX at:  https://ugm-tc.org/donate/

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