Milton L. Nelson, 79, of Thornton, WA passed away September 29, 2019 at Whitman Health and Rehab in Colfax, Washington.  Milton was born July 1, 1940 in Spokane to Chet & Alverda (Kerns) Nelson.  He grew up in the Thornton area and attended grade school there.  He graduated from Rosalia High School in 1958.  Milton was active in the National Guard through the years and learned the crafts of welding and soldering while serving in the Guard.  He spent his entire life farming and cattle ranching in the Thornton area, and was well known for raising his mules.  Milton loved hunting in the back country packing in with his mules and was well known for his mule trains.  He went by the nick name of Muleshoe through the years.  He was at home in the outdoors and was an accomplished fisherman as well.  Following his retirement Milton spent the winters in Bull Head, Arizona.  He is survived by his sons Steve (Kim) Nelsn of Thornton, WA; Scott (Paula) Nelson of Tekoa, WA; a brother Dennis Nelson; 3 grandchildren Craig Nelson, Tayler (Matthew) Johnson & Eric Nelson, a step-grandson Jessie Palumbo, as well as 1 great grandchild Malec Johnson.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Eddie Nelson.  A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.  Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax, WA has been entrusted with arrangements.  The family suggests memorial donations be sent to the Thornton Cemetery, 202 Ralph Henning Rd.  Online condolences may be sent to www.bruningfuneralhome.com