Bernard Lester Nelson was born at his Grandparents Wright’s farm home in Minnesota on January 28, 1939, to Elmer and Hazel (Wright) Nelson. The 5th of their 7 children, he graduated Alexandria high School and went into the Air Force. He received an associate degree in general studies while in the military, learning in a Junior college in Modesto, CA; the University of Maryland; and other courses. While in the Air Force, he was stationed in Libya, England, Korea, Japan, and Mexico, as well as in the U&S., primarily at Andrews Air Force base near Washington, D.C. He retired after twenty-one years, with the rank of Master Sergeant. He was honored with an award for his hospital volunteer work while at Tinker AFB .
From his first marriage his only child, Daniel, was born on November 13, 1969. After military retirement, Bernie and his family settled near Oklahoma City and was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Midwest City and after his marriage to his current wife, Johnnie Houston-Nelson, they attended Trinity Lutheran Church in El Reno and were married there, December 30, 2016 his grandson, Matthew was best man. Avid square dancers, Bernie and Johnnie traveled across the country dancing with their clubs.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his four older siblings: Chester, Jeanette, Darwin & Elinor. He is also predeceased by his son, Daniel. His survivors include, his wife, Johnnie, of the home, his ex-daughter-in-law, Kendra Knight, her husband Matt, grandchildren Matthew and Charlotte and great granddaughter, Evelyn all of Kansas City. His surviving brothers, Maynard, and Andy; three stepchildren Beth Smith (Kevin) Warr Acres, OK, Pam Robinson (David) Southlake, TX & Brian Houston (Gina) Hinton, OK. Eight step grandchildren and 14 step great-grandchildren.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17