John William Nelson, Sr., 76, of Huffman, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, at his residence, surrounded by family.
John was born Sept. 11, 1948, in Aberdeen, Washington, to parents; Chester and Cathrine Ruggles Nelson, a former resident of Conroe, and has resided in Huffman for the past 10 years.
John grew up fishing in the streams and rivers and playing baseball through his school years. He graduated from Stevens High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Grays Harbor College, where he joined the wrestling team. He joined the Army in 1971 where he served four years at Ft. Bragg, with the 82nd Airborne, jumping out of perfectly good airplanes, even though he was scared of heights.
John sold meat products and on his distribution route, met Terry Lassnger and became fast friends and discovering a shared passion for music. They started a band; Southern Connection and soon afterward, he went to work with Terry and remained employed for 35 years, until he discovered he had a brain tumor.
Mr. Nelson was preceded in death by his parents, sister: Sue Ann Nelson, and sister-in-law: Johnna Scott. He is survived by his wife of 30 years: Ellen Lee Green Nelson, children: Renee’ Nelson and husband Trek, John Nelson, Jr. and wife Misty, Sheri Archer and husband Pat, Shaunna Salazar and husband Carlvin, and Shane Nelson, sister: Cathy Rydman and husband Richard, brother: Mike Nelson and wife Bonnie, grandchildren: Paul, Callie, Brandon, Wyatt, Amal, Hailey, and David, great-grandchildren: Hazel and Alaina, numerous nieces,. Nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Honorary pallbearers will be Brandon Archer, Carlvin Breaux, David Salazar, Cecil McCrary, Glendon Gray, and Stacy Wiese.
To send flowers to the family of John, please visit our floral store.
Memorial Service
- Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024
- 10:00AM – 11:00AM
- Sterling Funeral Homes – Dayton
- 602 North Main Street
- Dayton, TX 77535
Final Resting Place
- Houston National Cemetery
- 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr
- Houston, TX 77038