C. Stanley Nelson, 96, of Salina, passed away Monday, May 31, 2021. He was born May 19, 1925 in Lawrence, KS, the son of Carl and Hearty Nelson.

He was raised in Lawrence and graduated from the University of Kansas where he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. After spending a year as an undergraduate at KU, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943. He spent three years in the Pacific. Once WWII ended and he was discharged from the Marines, he went back to KU, finished his undergraduate degree, and graduated from the University of Kansas law school.

He married Rosemary Gaines in 1949. In 1950 they moved to Salina and he joined the law firm that is now known as Hampton & Royce, where he spent over sixty years practicing law. They raised four sons. He was active in many community activities and held many leadership positions: Saline County Economic Development Council, YMCA, Salina Country Club, and Salina Chamber of Commerce.

C. Stanley brought joy to every group he was part of, whether at the office or with friends. He loved traveling to the Ozarks for many family boating and tennis-playing vacations and later on many overseas trips. He was a diehard Jayhawk fan and loved tailgating at KU football games for over 30 years. He loved Kansas basketball and had met Phog Allen on many occasions.
He had a very unique and healthy approach to life. He didn’t regret or reminisce about anything in the past, nor did he worry or even think about the future. He only focused on one day at a time.

Wherever he was, he always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He loved meeting new people, asked a lot of questions, was a great listener, and left everyone feeling better. Though he didn’t use the phrase himself, he was the perfect example of someone who tried to be more interested than interesting.

He was proceeded in death by his wife Rosemary Gaines Nelson and his brother Arthur Nelson.

Survivors include four sons: Steve (and Sharon Persinger) of Salina, KS; Jeff (and wife Lisa) of Overland Park, KS; Mike (and Bridget Smithmier) of Leawood, KS; and Kendal (and Karen Williams) of Wichita, KS; as well as four grandchildren, Chris (and wife Michele) and Colby Nelson and Carley and Kate Nelson. Special recognition for the incredible relationship, companionship, and love of Ann Neumann of Salina, KS over the past ten years.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 5, 2021 at the First Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Eighth. Private family burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Memorials are suggested to Salina Net Generation, c/o Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina, KS 67401.