Tony Franklin Nelson

In Loving Memory of

Tony Franklin Nelson

Surrounded by the love of family and friends, Tony passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026, at the age of 65. He was a fighter, and that strength stayed with him until the very end.

Tony Franklin Nelson was born on September 14, 1960, in Portland, Oregon, to Jerilynn Kay Stephens (Hopkins) and David Nelson. After his mother remarried, Tony spent most of his life as the eldest of eight siblings in a large blended family.

In his younger years, Tony struggled with alcohol and substance abuse. As the years passed, so did the challenges of addiction and the fight for sobriety. Through hard work, determination, and a desire to build a better life, Tony began his recovery journey on March 4, 2001. He focused on a brighter future and the people he loved most.

Though he never forgot the hardships of his past, he refused to let them define him. He remained sober for the rest of his life and was deeply proud of that life-changing accomplishment.

Tony was an incredible drummer, passionate gardener, lover of music, talented photographer, and Mopar enthusiast, who was only a fragment of the man he was. Tony was also a beloved son, cherished brother, adored uncle, and faithful friend. He cared deeply about the people in his life and built friendships and family connections that lasted for years.

Tony shared a close relationship with his family and held a special place in the lives of his niece and nephews: Brigette, PJ, and KC, the children of his best friend Paul and his sister Diane. To them, he was much more than an uncle; he was a mentor, a protector, and often a second father figure.

Over the last several years, Tony courageously battled cancer, a fight that took a heavy toll on his body. Yet his strong spirit, sharp mind, and unwavering desire to live never faded. He faced every challenge with determination and never gave up easily.

Tony was preceded in death by his mother, Jerilynn Kay Stephens, and his brother, Richard Nelson.

He is survived by his stepfather, William Stephens; his sisters, Tamla Nelson, Linda Labes, Leya Dewey, Diane Hebert, and Lori Stephens; his brother, Kenneth Baca; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, and extended family members who loved him dearly.

Tony's loyalty, sense of humor, infectious smile, devotion to family, love of the outdoors, and the way he would play the air drums to his favorite songs, are just a few of the gifts he leaves behind. His memory will live on in the gardens he nurtured, the photographs he captured, the rhythms he played, and the countless lives he touched.

"Those we love don't go away. They walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always with us.” 💙