Charles Franklin ‘Rusty’ Nelson, Jr.

Mr. Charles Franklin “Rusty” Nelson, Jr. departed this life Thursday, July 8, 2021.

A Celebration of Life for Rusty will be held Saturday, July 17, 2021, at 4 p.m. at the Zigler Museum in Jennings.

He was born Feb. 11, 1947, in Jennings to Charles Franklin and Norma Clark Nelson, who preceded him in death.

Rusty moved to Lafayette in the 1970s and was still a resident there at the time of his death. He enjoyed working in the oil industry and was very successful.

Rusty especially enjoyed traveling. He loved animals, owned racehorses, raised cattle and enjoyed traveling the world. He made friends wherever he went. He loved his cats and rescued many.

Those left to cherish his memory are his high school sweetheart and companion, Elizabeth Hoag Bonin; his three sisters, Paula Nelson Carlin of Sulphur, Debbie Nelson Jones of Baton Rouge and Karla Beth Nelson of Lafayette; nephews and a niece, Jonathan (Christina) Carlin of Sulphur, Charles (Kami) Carlin of Welsh, Kelley Carlin of Sulphur and John Showacre of Lafayette; nieces by marriage, Melissa (Josh) O’Brien and Laura Melancon; and beloved extended family, Tyler Cormier and Libby (Chris) Fontenot.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Cat Haven of Baton Rouge. Funds will be used to re-home Rusty’s five cherished cats.

Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.miguezfuneralhome.com.