Terry Lloyd Nelson

Terry Lloyd Nelson, 77, of Shoshone, Idaho, passed away in the early morning hours of November 15, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Terry was born in Wendell, Idaho, to Lloyd Hans and Helen Idella Nelson and was the oldest of six children.

A proud Navy veteran, Terry first enlisted in April 1968 and served until June 1972. During the Vietnam era, he served aboard the USS Oriskany aircraft carrier, attached to VF-191 and the USS Okinawa, a Marine amphibious assault helicopter ship. After completing his first enlistment, he took a three-year hiatus from military service and worked for Boeing. Feeling called to serve again, he re-enlisted in June 1975 and served until June 1977, once again receiving an honorable discharge.

After leaving the Navy for good, Terry continued to build on his love of electronics and technology. He attended Green River Community College, where he earned his Associate of Applied Science degree in Electronic Technology in June 1979. Shortly after graduating, he began what would become a long and steady career with the phone company—starting with Bell Phone Company, which later became Pacific Northwest Bell, US West, and eventually Qwest. Terry worked for the phone company until his retirement in 2003.

Outside of work, Terry had many interests; He was an amateur ham radio operator and a proud advocate of “going metric,” serving as a member of the U.S. Metric Association. He enjoyed deer and elk hunting, recreational target shooting at crows, and spending time camping. Terry loved riding his mountain bike and later continued with his electric bike. He also had a special place in his heart for his dogs, Lucy and his very best friend, Tippy.

Terry and his wife, Christal Marie (Shaw) Nelson, made their home in Kent, Washington, for 20 years before moving to Shoshone, Idaho, in 2003 following his retirement. They raised two sons and created a home with a deep sense of family connection. Terry especially loved time spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren and was always proud of the family he and Christal built.

Terry is survived by his wife, Christal, his son Brian (Debbie); grandchildren Tailyn, Cooper, and Carter. his son Duane; his younger sister Marsha Roth; his younger brother Timothy (Alana); and his younger sister Angie Schenck; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews who will miss him very much.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Helen Nelson, and his younger brothers, Anthony Neil Nelson and Eddie Wayne Nelson.

A celebration of Terry’s life will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Shoshone, Idaho, at 2:00 p.m. on November 22, 2025.