Carlos was born to Joseph Morris Nelson and Lora Mortenson Nelson on May 16, 1929 in Cochise County, Arizona. He is predeceased by his wife, Hestran Elizabeth McDonald Nelson; daughter, Irene Nelson Simpson; sister Erna Mae, and brothers Hugh and Joe.

Carlos is survived by his daughter Nancy Ann; son, Ralph (Beth Ann); brothers William and Charles; grandchildren Michael Simpson, Barry (Wanda) White, Andrehetta Jaegar, Cerissa (Doug) Nelson-Maher, Felicia (Bryan) Nelson-Morehouse and Tracy Simpson Arnold. Carlos is also survived by 20 great-grandchildren and numerous other family members who all loved him dearly.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017 from 8:00 am to 9:45 am at the Brown Page Mortuary Chapel. Graveside funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 10:00 am at Calvary Cemetery.