William Raymond Eugene Nelson

Daily Democrat, Clinton MO - William Raymond Eugene Nelson, 84, Clinton, died Thursday, October 1, 1992, at Research Medical Center in Kansas City. - William Raymond Eugene Nelson was born December 23, 1907, in Trego County, Kansas, to Axel and Emma Nelson. He was the third of seven children.

Immigrant families relied heavily on their faith and the Nelson's were no exception. After establishing their homes, they built a Swedish Lutheran Church in Ogallah, Kansas, near their farms. It was here that Ray was baptized and confirmed. Growing up in a farm family, he learned the importance of hard work and family values, that we realize now, should be the base of our society. In those days, farming didn't mean just raising crops; you had to be a carpenter, stone cutter, rancher and general handyman. He was talented in all these areas.

With his good looks and sense of humor, it was easy for him to win the heart of Helen Lois Campbell. They eloped August 3, 1930, and settled near his family home in Ellis (Ogallah). It was there that they gave birth to and raised their three daughters, Larae Alice, Kathleen Ann and Barbara Ellen.

In 1959, Ray, Helen and Barbara moved here to Clinton where he became service manager for his son-in-law at Stayton Chevrolet. He retired in 1970, but wanted to keep busy. He started rasing cattle and enjoyed being outdoors.

His 10 grandchildren remember riding out to the farm in his old gray truck and having to help find and count all the cows, especially touching the electric fence. He finally quit raising cattle, but kept active with his daily walks. He cared for his wife, Helen, until she passed away in 1988. His family, Larae and Bob Stayton, Kathleen and Ron Davis, and Barbara and Don Donnohue will miss his joyful and humble spirit. His grandchildren will miss the tickles and fun. And his six and a half great-grandchildren will miss the hugs and smiles he gave so generously.

Funeral services were Saturday, October 3, 1992, at the United Methodist Church, Clinton. Burial was in Englewood Cemetery.