Ray Lynn Nelson

FARMINGTON - Ray Lynn Nelson, 68, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2017 at his home in Farmington after battling cancer. He was born June 25, 1948 in Bonne Terre, the son of the late Raymond Leyden Nelson and Winnifred May (Gierse) Nelson, who survives.

A life long resident of Farmington, Ray Lynn attended St. Paul Lutheran School and Farmington High School. He was a graduate of the University of Missouri and the University of Memphis. Ray loved the Boy Scouts and was awarded Eagle Scout. In his early years, Ray proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy and had the privilege of working on the staff of the Chief of Naval Technical Training at NAS Memphis. This is where he met his former wife, Kathie Nelson Klima. He then returned with his family to Farmington where he practiced as a certified public accountant with Terry Detring at Detring and Nelson P.C., CPAs. He and Kathie had the opportunity to run a convenience store business for 23 years by opening C Mart in Farmington and later C Mart in Bonne Terre. The Farmington store was the first convenience store in Farmington. He was a phenomenal businessman who took pride in all of his businesses. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Farmington where he had served as treasurer. Ray was a long time member of the Farmington ELKS Lodge #1765 where he was honored by receiving the ELK of the Year award in 2012-2013. He will be missed by many fellow brothers and their families.

An avid golfer, he loved traveling and playing several different courses. He was a long time member of the St. Francois County Country Club where he also was a former board member. His favorite tournaments included the "Polar Bear Golf Tournament" in winter and his own fun tournament that he hosted, "The Ray Lynn Annual Memorial Golf Tournament".

He is survived by his mother, Winnie Nelson, of Presbyterian Manor. He leaves behind his daughters Anna (& Fred) Bond; Katie (& Craig) Jansen; two grandchildren, Noah Nelson and Sophia Bond; and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial gathering in honor of Ray Lynn will be held at Cozean's Memorial Chapel on Thursday, June 22nd from 5 to 8 p.m. with a private burial on Friday at Old Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Farmington ELKS Lodge #1765, a Not-for-Profit Organization, as they continue to assist the community in many ways. View the tribute video and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.