Clarence “Butch” T. Nelson Jr. 80, a long-time resident of Richmond and formerly of Winchester died on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA. He passed peacefully with the love of his family after a period of declining health.
Clarence was born the son of the late Lillian (Matson) and Clarence T. Nelson Sr. on July 24, 1942, in Keene. He was educated locally and graduated from Troy High School class of 1960.
Soon after high school, Butch enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served his country with distinction and honor during the Vietnam War. Butch was honorably discharged at the rank of A2C E-3 Aircraft Mechanic after four years of service on January 19, 1965.
On October 22, 2005, he exchanged vows with Bertha “Cookie” S. Swanson at the Veterans 
of Foreign Wars in Winchester. They were married with family and friends in attendance and have been married for seventeen years.
Butch was employed by the M.J. Moran Co. in Massachusetts as a Master Plumber for five years until his retirement in 2005. Prior, he had worked for Bob’s Fuel Co. in Winchester as a Master Plumber and Service Technician for thirty-five years.
He enjoyed life. Always smiling and willing to give a hand, especially for our veterans and their families. Time was spent camping at the beach and watching NASCAR. He played softball for Leon’s Garage in the Keene League. He enjoyed being with nature while fishing. Butch could be found sitting in his chair watching western movies. He loved what this country stood for so much that he gave freely of his time to be active as a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign wars in Winchester. Butch served for nineteen years as a post-commander. He also served on special agendas like funeral details, collecting donations for the various post projects, and participating in the annual Veterans Day Poppy Pin donation day. Mostly he enjoyed life with his wife, Cookie.
Mr. Nelson is survived by his wife, Cookie S. Nelson of Richmond. His son from a combined marriage, Matthew Remick, and his wife, Heather of West Chesterfield. His grandchildren; Austin, Alec, Nathan, and Greyson Remick all from West Chesterfield. He also leaves two women who he considered as his own, Sheree Gray and her husband, Raymond of Leominster, MA. and Shelley Kunze and her husband, Steven of Keene. In addition, he leaves; cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Butch is pre-deceased by his sister, Lillian Bedaw.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, from 5 to 7 pm. In the funeral home. Burial will take place on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at 1 pm. in the family lot with military honors at South Cemetery, Rt. 32 S. Richmond, NH. 03470. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However, the family would prefer donations be made in memory of Clarence “Butch” T. Nelson to:
Veterans of Foreign Wars
P.O. Box 35
Winchester, NH. 03470
or to:
American Kidney Fund
390 Main St.
Worcester, MA. 01608.
All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 46 S. Winchester. St. Swanzey, NH. 03446. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com
