Peevey Funeral & Cremation
Dr. Charles E. Nelson, age 86, passed away on March 6, 2021, in Webster Texas.
Chuck is survived by his 2 daughters: Shelley M. Perez of Murphysboro, Il and Julia L. Ulabarro of The Woodlands, Tx. And 3 grandchildren: Andrea Farrar, Jerrica Farrar, and Logan Ulabarro. He is also survived by his 7 great grandchildren: Teresa Castillon, Nadia Perez, Giovani Perez, Adrian Perez, Libby Perez, CJ Swope, and Cameron Swope.
He is preceded in death by his mom, Florence Denham Nelson, Dad, Edward J. Nelson, Stepmom, Blanche Nelson, and sister Barbara Carter.
Chuck was born on October 21, 1936 to Edward and Florence Denham Nelson in Yakima, Washington. Chuck attended the School for the Blind in Vancouver, Washington. After 9 years at the school for the blind Charles pushed to go to public high school. Charles went on to graduate from high school in 1954. He attended the University of Washington, as their first blind student. He graduated in 1958, with a degree in Elementary Education, and married, Shirley Haskins. Chuck then began his career as a 5th grade teacher in the Highline School District in Seattle, Washington. Chuck and Shirley had 2 daughters in 1964 and 1965, Shelly, and Julia Nelson. Chuck moved his family to Carbondale Illinois and attended Southern Illinois University. He became the first blind student at SIU to achieve not only a Masters degree, but to also graduate with his PhD. He was then hired by the State of Illinois Department of Disabilities, and moved the family to Springfield, Il. In 1970. After working for the state Charles was hired at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and became the first blind professor to teach at SIU-E. Dr. Nelson taught at SIU-E for over 30 years in Instructional Technology. He loved teaching college and continued to excel at his job. Chuck later retired and moved to Deer Park, Tx to be near one of his daughters and family.
Dr. Nelson was a social, active man, deeply involved in his community. He was elected to the public library board where he helped to raise money, plan, and design the renovation of the public library in Edwardsville Il. He was also voted onto the public-school board and participated in the planning and building of Edwardsville High School. One other project he was involved in for the city of Edwardsville, was helping to bring Edwardsville public access channel online.
Once Chuck moved to Texas, he attended Sagemont Church and participated in Sunday school classes, speaking, attending men's groups, various service projects and many other activities. He also completed Deer Park Police's Citizen's Police Academy.
Chuck's hobbies included wood working, gardening, cars, acting, reading, wine collecting, ham radio operating, computers, and music. He was most happy working in his workshop, building Grandfather clocks, and other furniture, by hand.
His family and friends will always remember him as an extremely smart, educated man who did not let his disabilities set his limits.
The service was held March 12 at Peevey Funeral Home.
Peevey Funeral Home
12440 Beamer Road
Houston, Texas 77089
281.464.7200
peeveyfunerals.com
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