Clyde Smith Nelson, Jr, 71, of Prescott Valley, AZ died January 9, 2007 in Prescott Valley. He was born on September 14, 1935 in Colchester, IL, the son of Clyde Smith Nelson, Sr. and Vera Irene Reece Nelson. He graduated from Keokuk High School with the Class of 1954. He joined the United States Navy shortly after High School and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam. He retired from the Navy on August 25, 1969. Clyde was the recipient of the Purple Heart Award. Clyde met his wife, Naomi Waterman, while serving in the Navy and they were married in 1970 in Keokuk, IA. She preceded him in death on November 23, 2004 in Prescott Valley, AZ. Following his retirement from the military, Clyde and Naomi resided in Keokuk until 1993 when they moved to Arizona for his health. He had been employed at Channons Auto Parts and Thomas Truck in Keokuk, IA and also was a Locksmith in Keokuk for several years. Clyde liked to stay busy and was always tinkering with something or doing woodworking. He was a big fan of John Wayne and collected many of his movies. Clyde was a very special guy and was loved by all who knew him. He was a loving father and grandfather and treasured the times he spent with his family. He is survived by his son, Clyde Smith Nelson, III and his wife Tracey of Prescott Valley, AZ, three step-daughters, Mabel Terrasaz and her husband Robert of Ventura, CA, Vickie Harryman of Wever, IA, and Rose Swagerty and her husband Bill of Quartsite, AZ, two step-sons, Rex Leeper and his wife Linda of Joplin, MO, and Joe Leeper of Warsaw, IL, one granddaughter, Amber Nelson of Prescott Valley, AZ, ten step-grandchildren, seven step-great-grandchildren, two sisters, Joan McPherson of Casa Grande, AZ and Sandy Clinton & her husband Dan of Hamilton, IL, one brother, Edward Nelson and his wife Ida of Keokuk, IA, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his parents and one brother Kenneth Nelson. A memorial service for Clyde and Naomi was held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, February 21 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Pastor John Heath officiating. They were buried in the Keokuk National Cemetery. Military rites to honor Clyde's service to his country were presented by the American Legion Post #41 and VFW Post 3508.