John Nelson, Jr.

A loving, caring, and loyal friend, brother, and father has passed away. John August Nelson, Jr. died in his home in Lake Arthur, New Mexico on October 1, 2003. He was born on November 30, 1928 in a home outside of Lake Arthur, New Mexico. He was the eldest son of John August Nelson, Sr. and Bertha Ellen Mahan Nelson. He lived in the Pecos Valley his entire life and loved the area dearly. John August married Mary Jane Taylor, on June 1, 1957 in Hobbs, New Mexico. They made their home in Lake Arthur and became respected members of the community. They had four children with the eldest passing shortly after he was born. They were blessed with four granddaughters. They remained happily married until Mary Jane passed away on November 5, 1999. John August was employed with the Pecos Valley Artesia Conservancy District during the year of 1945 and worked there until his retirement in 1979. He was very involved in community welfare. He was a member of the Lake Arthur School Board, Town Council, and Water Board. He was a charter member of the Lake Arthur Fire Department. He was assistant fire chief in the 1950s and became fire chief in the 1970s. He was a dedicated member of the Lake Arthur Methodist Church and was a member of the Masonic Lodge. John August was preceded in death by his father, mother, wife, brother Clifford Gray Mickey Nelson, two sons Ricky Allen Nelson and Jeff August Nelson. He is survived by a brother Donald Harry Nelson of Eunice, a sister Ellen Jeanette Nelson McNeil of Lake Arthur, a son Jay Nelson of Tatum, a daughter Jan Nelson Sargent of Albuquerque, and four granddaughters Laci Nelson of Tatum, Kali Sargent, Taylor Sargent, and Shannon Sargent of Albuquerque. Funeral services will be held at the Lake Arthur Methodist Church on Monday, October 6, 2003, at 10:00 A.M. and presided over by Garland McNeil. Graveside services will follow at Woodbine Cemetery in Artesia, New Mexico. Pallbearers will be Richard McNeil, Craig Nelson, Dale Taylor, Arnold Taylor, Coleman Jackson, Calvin Graham, Robert Bailey, and John Campbell. Honorary pallbearers will be the Artesia Tastee FreezeRuths Coffee Group. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lake Arthur Methodist Church or your favorite charity.