Gene was born May 17th, 1934, in Hugo, Ok. to the late Tom and Amanda Nelson.
Gene married the love of his life Foy Nelson on July 17th, 1965. He was a loving and devoted father. He and Foy serving as foster parents for 23 years. Adopting 7.
Gene spent 50 years of his life as an advocate for Alcoholics Anonymous. AA was his church, and he was a faithful member those 50 years. He served on several boards and was “House Man” for the Hub of the Plains for many years. He played many games of 42 during those 50 years.
Gene loved to go to Ruidoso and watch the horse races and place bets. He also loved to play poker and was known to have spent many a nights and mornings in a poker game in his younger days.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Foy, his daughters Andrea Nelson, Erika Nelson. His sons Douglas Nelson and Chris Henry.
Those left to treasure his life are his daughters Gena Pittman of Smyer, TX, Kayla Samaniego of Ft. Worth, Tx, Amanda Nelson, Jaki Nelson and Madison Nelson all of Lubbock, Tx. His sons Rod Henry of Benbrook, Tx, Adam Nelson, Zachary Nelson, Benjamin Nelson and Charlie Martin, all of Lubbock, Tx.
15 grandkids, 21 great grandkids and 4 great great grandkids.
Celebration of life services will be Jan. 13th, 2022, at 2:00 pm in the Resthaven Abbey Chapel with Rev. Bruce Cotton officiating. Entombment will follow at Resthaven.
Visitation will be held at Resthaven on Jan. 12th from 5:00 pm -7:00 pm.
The family would like to express a special Thank you to a dear friend Debra Nichols.
Please join us as we celebrate his life by visiting his memorial and sharing your memories at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com.