Funeral services for Earl Raymond Nelson, 79, of Natchitoches, will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches. Interment will follow the services with Military Honors at Lambertown Cemetery in Robeline. The family will receive friends from 5-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at Blanchard-St. Denis. Raymond passed away Nov. 26, 2016 in Alexandria. He was born March 15, 1937 to the late Rupert Edward Nelson and Susie Jordan Nelson in Robeline. He was a hardworking and honest man, one who would help anyone in need. He loved his country, serving in the U.S. Army for several years. Raymond was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, and even helped raise a few of his grandchildren. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and hunting as well. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his three sons, Raford ‘Buddy’ Nelson and wife Sandy of Robeline, Gerald ‘Skipper’ Nelson of Natchez, and Billy Nelson and wife April of Readhimer; two daughters, Sandra Kim Curtis and husband Billy of Natchez and Carol Nelson of Provencal; 16 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gracie Darlene Reynolds Nelson; his parents; daughter, Jeanette Nelson Simmons; grandson, Tyler Nelson; his siblings, Rupert ‘Ezra’ Nelson, James ‘Jack’ Nelson, Clyde ‘Bo’ Nelson, David ‘Sonny’ Nelson, Floyd Nelson, Mary Freeman, Coleen Jenkins, Naomi Gibson, Inez Adams, Florence Carter and Polly Carver. Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Nigel Roberts, Colton Singletary, Jerry Nelson, Larry Freeman, Cody Nelson and Dennis Broadway.