Carl Leonard Nelms

Carl L. Nelms, 72, died Saturday (Aug. 13, 2005) at Schowalter Villa in Hesston.

He was born Dec. 27, 1932, to John Leonard and Dessie Jane (Bush) Nelms in Wilmer, Texas. They preceded him in death. He married Fern Schroeder Dec. 24, 1953, in Dallas. They were married by Carl's father John who was an ordained Baptist minister. She survives of Hesston.

Carl served his country in the U.S. Air Force, serving in Korea and Japan. Following his time in the Air Force, Carl worked as a diesel mechanic. Later, he went to work for the City of Dallas as a police car mechanic. Carl also worked for General Dynamics in the environmental testing department. He was involved with the development of the Atlas Rocket. After he and his wife moved to Kansas, Carl went to work for Hesston Corporation. While working at the corporation, Carl received a patent for an automatic tying system for the round baler. Carl also enjoyed working with amateur radios, computers and cars. He loved to read, especially his favorite, the Bible. He was a man of great faith who loved his family and friends and especially his wife, Fern.

Other survivors include: sisters, Jessie Lou Crimm of Balch Spring, Texas, Joy Lynn and Jim Mangham of Seagoville, Amber Gay Drake of Seagoville and Tonya Ann and Mike Murphy of Crandall, Texas; brothers-in-law, Vern and Jan Schroeder of North Newton and Everett and Vicky Schroeder of Walton; sisters-in-law, Wilma and Leonard Siebuhr of Newton, Mary and Harry McCreary of Ringwood, Okla., and Louise Schroeder of Kechi; brother-in-law, Jerry and Carolyn Schroeder of Newton; and several nieces and nephews.

He also was preceded in death by a brother, James H. Nelms.

Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday with family greeting friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Petersen Funeral Home.

Graveside service will be 4 p.m. Monday at Hesston City Cemetery with Chaplain Beverly Baumgartner officiating.

Memorials have been established with Schowalter Villa -- North Nursing Station in care of the funeral home.