Bruce Nelson

Funeral services for Bruce Nelson, of Gainesville, are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Calvary Baptist Church with Michael Parkhill and Larry Kremling officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 29 at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home.

Mr. Nelson passed away at home on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at the age of 91 ½.

Bruce was born August 20, 1924 in Shawnee, OK to John and Daisy Nelson. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy on the USS Idaho in the South Pacific during World War II. Mr. Nelson married Betty Webb on June 21, 1946. He retired from Texas Oklahoma Geophysical Cable in 1986. After retiring, he did sharpening of saws and knives for almost 20 years. He served as a deacon at Calvary Baptist Church.

Mr. Nelson was a proud Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather. He would say, “I am proud of my family and I love each and every one of them.” He was also proud to be a Christian and a Veteran of World War II. Everyone who knew Bruce liked and respected him. He would say, “I speak to everyone and treat them as I want to be treated – I get along with everybody.” His smile and joking nature will be missed.

Survivors include: daughter Janice Parkhill of Gainesville; daughter Diana Eichenberger and husband Fred of Gainesville; son Richard Nelson and wife Connie of Granby, CO; son David Nelson and wife Marsha of Callisburg; grandchildren: Michael, Marcus, and Jason Parkhill, Christopher Nelson, Carrie Loos, Bryant, Tyler, and Riley Nelson, Amanda McDowell, Jennifer Kirchem, and Bridget Blankenship; great-grandchildren: Madison, Merrick, Jenna Sue, Brody, and Alyssa Parkhill, Wyatt, Josie, and Lyla Loos, Alexandria and Owen Nelson, Emory, Bethany, and Trinity Kirchem, and Bobby, Tara, Julie, and Hannah Blankenship; and brother John Nelson of Huntsville.

Mr. Nelson was preceded in death by: wife Betty (October 30, 2006), son-in-law Wayne Parkhill (April 26, 2014), his parents, three brothers, and one sister.

Mr. Nelson’s grandsons will be serving as pallbearers and his great-grandsons will be honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, Home Hospice of Cooke County, or Abigail’s Arms.