Obituary

Nelson Rector

Nelson Rector was born on November 29, 1932 in the Bethel Community, New Mexico to the home of Clara Elizabeth (Miller) and Kenna Terrell, and died on November 19, 2020 at home with his family by his side.

Nelson was born and raised in the Bethel Community.  He attended the Floyd Schools and he had Polio when he was in the 2nd grade.  He didn’t let that slow him down.  He played baseball and basketball at Floyd High School.  He graduated Valedictorian from Floyd High School in 1951.  Nelson stayed close friends with many of his graduating class.

Nelson met Rebbecca Rose Elliott while in school at Floyd and asked her to the Senior Prom.  They were married on June 1, 1952 at the Floyd Church of Christ.

Nelson was a devoted Christian and was a member of  Church of Christ and was on the Floyd School Board for 12 years.  He worked as a dairy farmer his whole life until 1985 when they sold the dairy cows.  He was also a lifelong rancher and farmer.  Nelson enjoyed playing bridge at the Portales and Clovis Senior Centers and more recently playing bridge online.  Nelson loved baseball, dominoes, arrowhead hunting and telling corny jokes.

Nelson is survived by his wife of 68 years, Rose Rector of Portales; his children, Delbert Rector & wife Char of Portales, Rebecca Riley & husband Tom of Stanton, Texas, Audrey Washburn & husband Gerry Curtis of Carlsbad, Leslie Rector & wife Cathy of Portales and Lloyd Rector & wife Samantha of Portales; his sister, Kenna Jones of Portales; 11 grandchildren, Amy & Steve Allen, Lauren & Shan Courtney, Josh & Janel Rector, Amanda & Trent Simpson, Belinda & Matt Sellers, Kayti Herring, Rosemary Washburn, Allison Washburn, Grant & Cristy Washburn, Dena & Scott Paden and Jana & Tully Stansell; 27 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Jerry Rector.

In Lieu of Flowers the family request donations be made to the New Mexico Christian Children’s Home at 1356 NM 236, Portales, NM 88130.

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