Cleo Nelson

Cleo William (Bill) Nelson, born April 20, 1932 to Cleo L. and Mariann J. Nelson in Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away Saturday, February 8, 2014. Survived by his wife, Dottie Nelson, daughters, Denise Wilson and husband Justin, Cindy Van der Leden and husband Hans, grandchildren, Craig Nelson and wife Tish, Lindsey Wilson Laird and husband, Justin, Josh Wilson, Ryan Wilson and wife Nickie. Bill is also survived by his sister Nancy Wilson and her husband, Joe, two nieces and a great grandson, Asher James. Bill was predeceased by grandparents, parents, his son Steve Nelson and a daughter Joyce Nelson, and his son's mother, Beth Nelson. Bill graduated from Waxahachie High School in 1949 and attended North Texas University in Denton. His education was interrupted by the Korean War and he joined the Air Force in 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1957. He worked in the Food Industry for 25 years and held many executive and management positions. He took two years off to enjoy his passion, golf. However, he quickly tired of not working and in 1981 went into the Dry Cleaning and Laundry business opening four shops in Waxahachie, Ennis, Midlothian and Cedar Hill. He was very active in community affairs and served on the Waxahachie City Council from 1996 to 2000 as Mayor Pro-Tem. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Waxahachie and served as Deacon as well serving on many other committees. He sang in the choir and was soloist on many occasions. He later joined the First United Methodist Church in Waxahachie to worship with his wife and family. He served on the Board of Directors at Waxahachie Country Club. He was a devoted Christian. Above all he loved his family and his Lord and tried to always be there for them when needed. As he did in his life of service, Bill has chosen to donate his body to science by giving to UT Southwestern. There will be a visitation at Wayne Boze Funeral home on Wednesday, February 12th, at 2 to 4 p.m, with a time of remembrance to begin at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Bill requested donations to the First United Methodist Church and/or Children's Hospital in Dallas. http://www.waynebozefuneralhome.com/

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