John Walter Nelson

As I close my eyes, I can hear his joyous laughter! Wiping the stinging tears from my face, I share the sad news of the death of a wonderful man, John W. Nelson.

John was born June 8, 1945, in Port Arthur, Texas to Gladys Belle Gorton Nelson and Walter Odin Nelson. Survivors include his children, Erin Conway Galloway, and Tim Conway, grandson Jonathan (J.T.) Galloway, all from Beaumont, and numerous extended family and friends through the years. Proceeded in death by his parents, siblings Richard Nelson, Betty Butcher and Dean Nelson, and John’s wife: love of his life and soulmate; Nan Vincent Nelson.

As humans we feel grief, pain and loss. The same was for John (Dad.) After the loss of his other half, Nan, last July, his only desire was to be with her again. “I’m not wanting to die,” Dad would tell me, “I simply can’t be on earth without my Nan, my sweetie.” For John this was not a question of “if” he would see Mom again. He “HAD” to see her again. He knew that he would. This was John.

Faith-full

A cradle Episcopalian, John grew up in Port Arthur. One of four children, John remained closest to his younger brother, Dean, who recently passed on this last January. They called each other “the last of the Mohicans.” They shared laughs and reminisced by phone when eventually their illnesses prevented travel. At the moment of Dean’s passing, John said, “well, it’s one more person I’ll meet in heaven.” No question of “if.” John trusted. He would meet Dean again.

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Dad and I bonded over our favorite number, three. For example, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. This intense loyalty of feeling the Holy Trinity daily. Symbolically in the setting the last digit of the gas in the tank as $20.43, or seeing the clock show 12:33, or in counting ice cubes in a cup by threes. Yes, this is does sound a bit OCD, however it was merely his daily demonstration of conviction in religion.

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For many of us, it’s difficult to think of a time when you’d walk away from a visit with John without a smile or a laugh. Dad was a weaver of tales and jokes. He’d smirk and giggle in a contagious, cacophonous consuetude. No matter the challenge life demanded, John knew he was exactly where God meant him to be. How better could he wait out this strife with laughter and comfort? All would be as intended.

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In his gainfully employed years, John spent time as an industrial salesman, a Polydrain salesman, a plexiglass acrylic salesman, and a Papas hook manufacturer salesman. See a trend? He’d say the best part of his jobs was talking with clients and offering top-notch communication. After retirement, John continued with volunteering for St. Mark’s, St. Matthews, Farmers Market, Broussard’s, as National Park host, and honey-do projects for friends. It was the personal contact John enjoyed. Interpersonal support of others was his credence and goodness.

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John believed. John had faith, not blindly following religious creed, but truly believing with his heart, mind and soul. Not relying on his eyes but using spirit and understanding. He lived it. He felt it. He relied on it. John’s faith didn’t eliminate questions. Doubt is natural. However, faith knows who to ask and trust in the answer. God. Faith provides confidence hope assurance. Faith is a verb. As Max Lucado said, “God never said that the journey will be easy, but he did say that the arrival will be worthwhile.” This is how John (Dad) lived his life.

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John was a collector. Whatever he found that had potential; he trusted it would eventually come to need or use. Cords, cardboard, jars, wire, glass, tiny what-nots of items I couldn’t begin to describe, wood, fencing, and flashlights (his favorite and coincidentally a beacon of light in the dark.) He had a confidence that anything could be used in a life hack. He was a thinker, always considering how to make a better mouse trap, using imagination to fix things in a better way. Innovative. Knowing that everything has a purpose even if we don’t see it immediately.

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John was a music lover. Some of his favorites that we listen to in his final days were: “That’s what friends are for.” This was Mom and Dad‘s song. “keep smiling, keep shining, knowing you can always count on me. “ When they got married, Dad announced to Mom, “Now we have each other and we don’t have to face life alone. “ Another song, “Hymne l’amour” …”God brings together those who love each other.” Finally, “Let It Be.” “Speaking words of wisdom.” Trust, have faith. These songs were important to John (Dad) because they were the musical attestations of his faith.

Faith-full

As I conclude this necrology, I hope you see that John did not live a life of mere checklists and career goal posts. It was the substance of how he lived this life that mattered.  He was faithful and faith-full in every gesture of daily life.  Living what he believed to be right and true.  Kind, supportive, nurturing, jocular and faithful. May we use his life as a guide to our own faith and trust in everlasting life.

Faith-FULL

Thank you to the many friends and family that cared for John, including, the staff and clergy at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Dr. Maria Blahey and her office and staff, Compassion Hospice (Mimi and Jessica you are angels!), Broussard’s, and Dad’s postal carrier who kept the Amazon deliveries coming.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 680 Calder, Beaumont, Texas 77701 or to the Humane Society of Southeast Texas 2050 Spindletop Ave., Beaumont, Texas 77705.

A gathering of Mr. Nelson’s family and friends will begin at 10 a.m. in the Cloister Room with his memorial service at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 13, 2025, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 680 Calder, Beaumont. His cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium under the direction of Broussard’s 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.