Stephen Paul Nelson

Paul was born in Clinton, OK on December 22, 1939. He attended, with perfect attendance, schools in the Clinton school district, graduating with the class of 1959. After losing his father at age 12, he worked many jobs, helping support his mother and younger siblings. He worked as a car hop, in a bakery, a dry cleaners, pumping gas and other odd jobs. He spent several summers working for the Forest Service as a Smoke Jumper, putting out forest fires. He was an apprentice carpenter in Southern California. Paul served his country with Honor from 1962-1966, serving in Vietnam. He was a jet engine specialist and mechanic for the Air Force. During which time he also played softball for the Air Force Softball team, where he was a wicked left hand pitcher. While stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, NV he met his wife, Carol Jean Snow. Following his military service, he worked as a heavy equipment mechanic. Paul worked in Area 51 at the Nevada Test and Training Range, he always had the highest security clearance, before moving to California. He then worked on off shore gas and oil production rigs, in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Argentina, Panama, and Brazil, as well as several domestic locations. Following his retirement, he continued working, driving a school bus where he was deeply loved by his students. He believed in giving a day’s work and doing everything as a perfectionist.

He is survived by his wife, Jean, who he committed to in 1962; his son, Stephen Paul Nelson Jr and wife Pam, of Antlers, OK; daughter Betty Nelson Pollock and husband Troy of Avery, TX; His beloved granddaughters, Kim Nelson of Antlers, OK and Morgan Pollock of Avery, TX. Brothers: Jess Nelson and wife Lou of Guymon, OK and Vern Nelson and wife Bebe of Eureka Springs, AR; Sisters, Laura Stone of Manteca, CA, Helen Maloy and husband Raymond of Saulsbury, TN and Dorthy Elliott of Oklahoma City, OK.

Preceded in death by his parents James Daniel Nelson and Anna Dalke Nelson, brother Tom Nelson and wife Joyce and brother David Nelson.

He had many nephews and nieces he loved dearly as he was a dedicated family man.

Services will be Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the Avery Missionary Baptist Church where he was a member.