98-year-old Gordon William Nelson died Sunday, January 14th, 2018. He was born in the Silas Community on September 23rd, 1919 to Charlie and Hettie Nelson. He graduated from SFA and taught high school for several years in Newton and Port Neches. He lived in the Beaumont area for many years, married Dorothy Dougharty, and raised a family. Mr. Nelson worked in the lab at a refinery that became Union 76 and eventually Chevron. After retirement from the oil industry, he moved back to the Silas Community. Gordon liked to raise animals, drink coffee, eat pie, and visit with people. The folks at the Quick Stop were like family to him.
He was preceded in death by:
parents, Charlie and Hettie Nelson
brothers, Elzie Nelson and wife June
Joe Emmitt Nelson
daughter, Karen Smith
mother of his children, Dorothy LaHaye
Gordon is survived by:
son, Don and Sharon Nelson of Center
daughter, Nancy Stockman of Temple
grandchildren, Jeremy and Brandis Stockman of Salt Lake City, Utah
Amy Smith of Belton
Ben and Casey Nelson of Waco
son-in-law, O.K. Smith of Belton
sister-in-law, Christene Nelson of Spring
Mr. Nelson is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 27th, 2018, at the Mt. Olive Baptist church in Silas, where he has been a member since a young age. There will be visitation time immediately after the service, then a private interment in the Mt. Olive Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home.