Lawrence Ethan Nelson

Lawrence “Larry” Ethan Nelson, beloved husband, father and grandfather, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 30, 2022.

Larry was born in Juneau, Alaska on July 19, 1941 to parents Ethan Herbert Nelson and Anita Alva Porter. He grew up in Spanaway, Washington, where he and his three younger brothers, Bert, Paul, and Dennis, learned the value of hard work by helping out at the family’s Bargain Basket grocery store. After graduating from Franklin Pierce High School in 1959, Larry moved on to the University of Puget Sound, where he not only earned his BA in Business Administration in 1963, but also met the love of his life. Marilyn Butler’s sorority sisters at Chi Omega set her up on a blind date with Larry, then president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and the mystery match blossomed into 6 wonderful decades together.

After starting as a box boy in 1962, Larry eventually worked his way up to become the president and CEO of the iconic Hi-Ho Shopping Center in Puyallup, where he served until 1980. He then shifted from business to law, earning his JD with distinction from the University of Puget Sound in 1980, which allowed him to achieve his dream of becoming an attorney. He set up his own firm in downtown Puyallup in 1981, and has faithfully served the Puyallup community for the past 41 years, as Nelson & Carver (2005-2018) and Nelson & Allen (2019-present).

Aiding his remarkable journey were long-lasting friendships and leadership roles in the Puyallup community, including Puyallup Kiwanis, Puyallup Main Street Association, Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, Good Samaritan Hospital, West One Bank, Puyallup School District, and the Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival.

Larry’s life was centered on faith, family and community. He loved his grandchildren dearly, and blessed them with trips to Disneyland; music, theater and dance lessons; and endless hikes and adventures. He loved the outdoors and returned every summer to his beloved Alaskan roots, fishing with friends and family at Lake Bulchitna, accessible only to seaplanes and grizzly bears. He loved camping and took his son, Hal, and his dog, Tux, on countless adventures. He was a licensed pilot, and flew his family on trips throughout the country. He was an avid Mariners fan, and treasured the times he taught his beloved Elise ("Leesey poo") to shout "Rupe! Rupe! Rupe!" for Rupert Jones in the Kingdome stands. He loved skiing, sushi, the Puyallup Fair, and telling stories. He always had a twinkle in his eye as he patiently built towards a punchline. His joyful laugh will be long treasured by those who knew him.

Above all else, Larry was a man of abiding faith, who dedicated his time, treasure and talents in this life to bring glory to God. He was a good and faithful servant and proudly shared his love for the Lord with his children and grandchildren.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Marilyn; his son, Hal, and daughter-in-law, Hope; his daughter, Elise, and son-in-law, Tony; and five precious grandchildren, Nicholas, Amelia, Delaney, Jack and Ian.

An open house vigil/visitation for Larry will be held at Powers Funeral Home in Puyallup from 10:00am to 12:00pm on Friday, February 18, with burial services at Sumner Cemetery (immediate family only).

In addition, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 19, from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Elim Evangelical Free Church in Puyallup. There will be a live stream for those unable to attend in person: https://youtu.be/fvggM_yxRm8 . In lieu of flowers please send donations to https://www.puyallupkiwanis.org/foundation or the community outreach efforts of Elim Evangelical Free Church: https://elimefc.churchcenter.com/giving .

A celebration of life gathering, hosted by Nelson & Allen Law, will be held downtown Puyallup in the spring. Information forthcoming.