Allen Nelson Memorial Ag Scholarship
Link to donate to this scholarship: Northeastern Junior College Foundation Payment (swipesimple.com) or checks can be made out to the NJC Foundation 100 College Ave Sterling, CO 80751.
This is a memorial scholarship created by family, friends and former students to honor the life of Allen Nelson who passed away on October 3, 2024. Allen H. Nelson was born January 7th, 1943 to Harvey and Mary Jane (Gardner) Nelson in Holyoke, CO. He spent his youth and high school days in Crook, CO, graduating from Crook High School in 1961. Allen then attended Colorado State University receiving his bachelors of science in agriculture then his Masters of education. Later, Allen attended Washington State University, furthering his education.
In March of 1966 he married Betty Fowler of Sterling, CO. Together they had two children, daughter Debbie and son David.
Allen spent most of his life in education, with his first teaching position as vocational agriculture instructor at Oshkosh, NE High School. He also held the same position at Lamar, CO and then Fort Morgan, CO. In the fall of 1974, he joined the faculty of the Animal Science Department at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO where he remained until retiring in 2000. He also served as the coach of the livestock judging team during his 24 years at NJC. His teams won many contests throughout the nation during his tenure, including still holding the record of being the winningest livestock judging coach in NJC history.
Allen was preceded in death by his father Harvey Nelson, mother Mary Jane Nelson, brother Alton "Buzz" Nelson, and sister Joan Rhodes. He is survived by daughter Debbie (Jared) Norrell of Van, TX, son David (Jillian), grandchildren Sadie and Jacob Nelson of Falcon, CO, sisters Janet Nelson of Grand Junction, CO, Jean Davis of Phoenix, AZ, Jody (Dirk) Banning of Harrisburg, PA, brothers Arlen "Bim" (Jeri) Nelson of Bassett, NE, Alvin (Kathy) Nelson of Crofton, NE and many nieces and nephews.