Earl W. Nelson

Earl W. Nelson, age 71, of Elm Mott, passed away Tuesday morning, August 23, 2016 at his residence. His memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 27, 2016, at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West with Rev. Terry McElrath officiating. Earl was born February 14, 1945 in Victoria, Texas the third child of Frank E. Nelson and Mabel V. Nelson. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corp. during the Vietnam war from 1964 until 1968. He was honorably discharged at the end of a 14 month tour in Vietnam. He returned home and made a career at Gulf States Paper in Waco. Earl enjoyed restoring antique cars, Nascar racing, and reading and watching western movies. He loved his family and greatly enjoyed family gatherings and family trips for reunions. Earl will definitely be remembered for one that never complained as he fought through a terminal health issue with courage and faith. Earl is preceded in death by his parents and an older brother, Buddy Nelson. Survivors include his son, Robert Keith Nelson of Elm Mott; brother, Bobby Nelson and wife Susan of Mansfield; sisters, Kay Tyler of Keller and Ginny Autrey and husband Gene of Carrollton; a sister-in-law, Sharon Nelson of Elm Mott; nieces and nephews, Steve Autrey, Regina Autrey, Chris Nelson, Richard Tyler, Jenna Gackenbach, Brian Nelson and Tassy Grimes; 14 great nieces and nephews; his grand dog, Willie Nelson; and other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.