Orville Carnez Nelson, 82, of Ione, California, passed away on January 25, 2026, while being treated for an infection at San Juan Mercy Hospital in Carmichael, California.

Orville, known better by his family as Carnez, was born in Berkeley, California on July 15, 1943 to Bonnie Orville Nelson and Bertha (Mann) Nelson.  Carnez grew up in the California foothills and mountains, primarily between Placer County, Amador County and Lake Tahoe where he was able to enjoy the great beauty of California with his older sister Lucille and his younger brother Johnny Bob.   He and his siblings even had two deer fawns as pets and, for a short period of time, a black bear cub. 

Carnez attended high school at Sutter Creek High School, graduating in 1960.  During his last two years of high school he worked in the cafeteria with his friends Albert and Pat washing dishes for 75₵ a day and a free lunch.  After high school he joined the United States Navy.  He graduated from Naval Recruit Training in 1960 with his lifelong friend Albert Miller despite the fact that his swimming ability was suspect at best.  Carnez was sent to the USS John W. Thomason DD760 where he served as a pipefitter.  Carnez also served on the USS Frank E. Evans DD754 and during his time in the Navy sailed throughout the Pacific Ocean including Hawaii and Japan.  He was a proud Navy Veteran and used that fact to strike up conversations with strangers throughout his life.

Upon his return home to California, Carnez met his future wife, Carol Joyce Tiquet, through Carnez’s friend, Albert, and Carol’s cousin, Peggy.  Albert brought Carnez with him to the Tiquet residence under false circumstances just so he could meet Carol. Less than 12 months later they were married in Pine Grove, California by Rev. Henry Church on December 23, 1966, a union that lasted over 59 years.  Many of their friends have said they never met a couple that was more perfect for each other.  Carnez and Carol initially lived in El Dorado Hills, California.  Children soon followed: Michael Orville (1968), Robert Brian (1970) and Katherine Lavern (1976). 

Carnez started working for the California Department of Transportation (“CalTrans”) in 1970 and the family moved several times as his career progressed – Pine Grove (1970), Peddler Hill (1973) and then Wrightwood (1976).  Carnez was an extraordinarily hard worker and was held in great respect among his peers and employees.  Carnez retired from CalTrans as a Supervisor in 2003.  Carnez enjoyed watching his childrens’ many activities and loved traveling the western part of the U.S. in the family camper and motorhome. 

After retirement Carnez and Carol moved to Ione, California to be closer to relatives throughout the Sierra Nevada foothills. Carnez loved his grandchildren and was lucky to be highly involved in the lives of Kathy’s children, with many sleepovers and babysitting events when they were young and attending innumerable baseball games and theatrical plays as they got older.  He also enjoyed taking care of his yard and going for drives throughout the Sierra Nevada Foothills. 

Carnez is survived by his wife, Carol, and his children Michael (Robyn) Nelson of Zionsville, Indiana; Robert (Helen) Nelson of Bedford, Texas; and Kathy (Rick) Rios of Mokelumne Hill, California; as well as 10 Grandchildren – Alexander, Anna, Mary, Claire, Luke, Max, Lucia, Olivia, Andy and Curtis.

A graveside service will take place at the Sunset View Cemetery in Jackson, California on Tuesday, February, 10th at 1:00 p.m. followed by a 2:00 p.m. reception at the Highway House Restaurant, 627 Highway 49, Jackson, California.  All are invited.