With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our father, John Alfred Nelson, who departed from this world and entered his heavenly home on January 4. He had recently celebrated his 90th birthday with family and friends at his ranch where he had been living for the last 17 years.

He was born on October 23, 1934, the son of Luther Marvin and Maggie J. Shipman Nelson on the family ranch located in Barksdale, TX.

He grew up in humble circumstances and developed a strong work ethic at an early age. By the time he was 13 he was already working at various jobs for people in the area where he learned construction and developed his love for ranching. He was well known and respected as John Alfred throughout Edwards and Real counties, having a reputation as someone that was hard-working.

Joe Trees, who had a big impact on John, as his coach and Ag teacher, instilled his love for ranching. He was very active in sports and was named to the North/South All Stars in football and basketball. Later when John’s’ little brother was born, he wanted to name him Joe T. Nelson after Mr. Joe Trees.

John graduated as a salutatorian from his high school in Barksdale, Texas in 1953. He attended Sul Ross State University where he attained a degree in animal husbandry in May 1957. He married Peggy Lou Tittle on December 30, 1955. They continue to live in Alpine until he graduated in May of 1957.

In 1959 his father passed away unexpectedly, and he immediately stepped up to help support his mother and fouryear- old brother. Also, with that, his mother-in-law, sister-in-law and brother-in-law moved in with them at the ranch. By the age of 25 he was helping to support three families.

After graduation they moved to Fort Stockton where he began his career with Firestone Tire and Rubber Co., starting out as a test driver and after 26 years he retired as Supervisor for Earth Moving Equipment Division and manager of the Adams ranch 12 miles outside of Fort Stockton. He was also in the US army reserves with an honorable discharge in October of 1963. In 1964 he built the home where he and wife Peggy raised a family until her death in 2003.

In 2004 he remarried Jean Connell, and they lived in the same home until 2009. He and Jean moved to a family ranch in Barksdale, where he built a new barn and house. He and Jean were active in the Baptist Church in Uvalde until her death in 2014.

While living in Fort Stockton, raising three kids Tammy, Tipp and Tonya, working at Firestone, owning and running Quality Texaco and Quality Auto Supply, building Nelson Construction Company, purchasing Cope Brown Lumber with storage units. His construction company rebuilt the old Historic Fort Stockton buildings on the grounds of the old Fort and bought a farm and a ranch while living in Fort Stockton for 52 years.

He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and helped with youth group.

He spent the last 10 years of his life enjoying Cowboy Church, his ranch and cows, his dog, Jack, but most of all his family and friends. He was the kind of man whose word was his bond. He could look at you in the eyes and never back up. He loved life and had a long and outstanding one. He had a huge faith in the Lord and loved Jesus. He spent many hours reading and studying the Bible. He will be missed by so many who knew him and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Joe T Nelson, his sister Geneva McMains, his wife of 48 years Peggy Lou Nelson, and his second wife of 10 years Jean Connell. His brother-in-law Tommy Cockrell.

He is survived by his three children, Tammy Huckaby (Trent), Fort Stockton, John Tippett Nelson (Jill), Double Oak, Tonya Poindexter (Chad), Fort Stockton.

And our bonus family: Donna Connell, Uvalde, TX, Donnie Connell (Dorothy) and Caitlyn, Haley, Parker, Kerrville TX, Diane Jacobs (Jim) Joli, Emory TX, Dana Woods (Richard) Cody, Callie, Cade, Caldwell, TX.

Grandchildren, Jhonalou Young (Tony), Tyler Young (Rachelle), Taylor Nelson, Cooper Nelson (Jessica), Walker Nelson (Bonnie), Avery Walters (Brandon), Jadyn Poindexter, Jordyn Lexi Marquez (John), Amenda Poindexter, Mack Poindexter (Janay).

Great Grandchildren, Coleman Hinojos, Jazzelle Poindexter, Ella, Emory, & Evelyn Young, Marlow & Winnie Nelson, Edison Walters, Kaitlynn, Hunter, Hannah, Raeghan, Mackenzie, Sutton.

He is also survived by Brother- in-law Billy Tittle (Phyllis) Abilene, Sister-in-law Jayne Cockrell, Artesia, NM and Sisterin- law Algiarita Nelson, Barksdale. He had numerous nieces and nephews.

And of course, his buddy and faithful companion, Jack, his dog. Who now resides in Fort Stockton, splitting his time at Tammy’s house and Tonya’s house.

Graveside services will be held at East Hill Cemetery on March 1, at 10:00 a.m.

There also will be a graveside service on his ranch on March 2, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations made be made to the West Texas Boys Ranch 10223 Boys Ranch Rd San Angelo TX 769049989