Roger Dwayne Nelson

A Celebration of Life for Cortez resident Roger Dwayne Nelson will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Dolores Town Park.

Roger was born on December 7, 1959 in Rangely, Colorado to Eldon and Lenora Nelson (Barrick). He passed away on Monday, May 26, 2025 at home surrounded by loved ones at the age of 65.

Lifelong resident of Montezuma County, Roger graduated from Dolores High School in 1978. Enlisting in the Navy, Roger spent time in many places all over the world. His most talked about and seemingly favorite place to be stationed was in Japan. Roger was a devout Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies fan and you could always count on him knowing the score and where his favorite players stood.

He loved to garden, go on picnics, spend time with friends and family, and just simply enjoy life. Roger could turn a five-minute shopping trip into an hour long one simply by visiting with everyone he knew. He was always a bright light in everyone’s lives whether it was a phone call, a quick visit, or hours and days full of conversations and adventures. He loved to travel no matter the distance, just to simply enjoy and appreciate the scenery. He was selfless, caring, empathetic, and always willing to help however he could.

Surviving Roger are his father; Eldon Nelson of Durango, Colorado; his sister, Debbie Rogers of Cortez, Colorado, and his brother Phillip Nelson of Cortez, Colorado. Also surviving Roger are numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Roger was preceded in death by his grandparents, Floyd and Ethel Barrick, his mother Lenora Nelson, his brothers’ Richard Nelson and Steve Nelson, and his sister-in-law, Connie Nelson (wife of Phillip Nelson).