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Randy Dene Nelson of Marietta was born April 5, 1948, in Hollis to L.G. and Rudene Horton Nelson. He passed from this life Saturday, February 4, 2017, in Ardmore at the age of 68.
Randy grew up in Hollis, moving to Ardmore where he graduated from high school in 1966. After high school he attended East Central University in Ada before enlisting in the Army in 1967. He served overseas in Turkey before being honorably discharged in 1970. While in the Army, he received a Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and a commendation for Sharpshooter (Rifle).
After being discharged from the Army, he began his 26 year career with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was stationed in Guymon and later in Ardmore. He served as a trooper for 20 years and then transferred to the size and weights division, otherwise known as motor carrier safety, where he worked for six years. During his time in the OHP, he worked on many special assignments, the most memorable being guard duty immediately following the Oklahoma City Bombing.
After retiring from the OHP, he began his second career as a full-time carpenter working with Bill Flanagan and eventually retired from carpentry as well. He continued to do special projects for family and close friends, including building the home of Linda's dream and remodeling his daughter and son-in-law's home.
Randy married the love of his life, Linda Thrash, on June 2, 1972, at Felt. He was a devoted husband whose greatest legacy is his family. His favorite role other than husband was Papaw. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, watching them play sports, playing games with them, taking them to the donut shop, teasing them, riding horses with them, and teaching them inappropriate jokes. He was ornery as the day is long, loved a good prank, and to horse and joke around with people. Randy loved horses and team penning with Linda. He was a fan of westerns. He liked western movies, western television shows, books about the Old West, and history. For a man of few words, he was hard to beat at Trivia. He was deeply loved and respected by many far and wide.
Survivors include his wife Linda of the home; daughters, Randi Lyn Gotti and husband Joe of Hutchinson, Kansas and Brandi Pierce and husband Kevin of Leon; six grandchildren, Rylee, River, Lane, Luca, Brady and Ryan; brother, Rodney Nelson and wife Patti of Duncan; brothers-in-law, Robert Thrash and wife Ardith, Timothy Thrash and wife Janice, and Bruce Thrash and wife Cathy, all of Felt; sister-in-law Judy Dunn and husband Butch of Boise City; as well as numerous beloved aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Randy was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother-in-law Ronald Thrash.
Memoria services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 8, in Marietta's First Baptist Church with Rodney Nelson, Pastor Shane Norton, Shane Wolfe, and Brother Brett Alberda officiating. A flag presentation was made by an OHP honor guard
Honorary pallbearers were Bill Flanagan, Dickie Minyard, Kent Martin, Gene Wallace, Chance Tynes, Wayne Allison, Kevin Pierce, and Joe Gotti.
The family suggest a memorial contribution in Randy's name to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Love County, Ardmore Children's Shelter, or your favorite charity.
Online guest book: wattsfuneralhome.com
A keepsake video is available through the funeral home.
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