BANNER -- A. E. "Earl" Nelson, 73, of Banner died Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2001, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.

Viewing is 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. today at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Wilbur Holz officiating.

Mr. Nelson was born July 18, 1927, to Arthur and Bertha (Mooney) Nelson on the ranch on Murphy Gulch east of Sheridan.  He grew up on Murphy Gulch and graduated high school in Sheridan.

He served in the Army during World War II then returned to Murphy Gulch to ranch with his father.

He went to work as a mechanic for Cook Ford in 1966, retiring in 1989.  He continued to ranch on Murphy Gulch all his life.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially hunting large trophy white tail deer.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Lorna Boode.

Survivors include a brother, Clarence of Dunmore, Mont.; a sister, Fern Focht of Sheridan; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Future Farmers of America in care of Delphine
Toner, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.