Le Edsel Nelson

LeEdsel (L. E.) 'Jack' Nelson was born May 16, 1915, at Pomona, Kansas. He was the son of Roy W. and Winifred (Lane) Nelson. His grandfather called him Jack, because he perceived his mother gave him that name assuming he would be called Lee, and there had been an agreement that he would not be named for any relative. Lee was the first name of his mom's brother. Jack stuck! A lifelong resident, he made his home in Pomona, Franklin County, Kansas, until his death Friday, August 9, 2002, at the age of eighty-seven years. Jack graduated from Pomona High School with the class of 1934. He was a self-employed farmer and cattleman. For many years, he was co-owner and operator of the Waverly Livestock Auction along with his auctioneering partner, Neil George. When the Overbrook Livestock Auction opened, around 1952, Jack was the auctioneer. Jack either auctioneered or clerked at Overbrook, until they computerized in the 1990's. Most importantly, he loved every step of his auctioneering career! He loved playing baseball and coaching several semi-pro teams. The four years he spent coaching his youngest son's high school baseball team to a winning record was a highlight He was a member of Pomona United Methodist Church; McKinley Lodge #41, A.F. 32nd degree Mason, Scottish Rite Consistory, Lawrence; and, served on the Pomona Recreation Committee for several years. Jack met Golden Waneita Brown when he went to work on her parents' farm. They were united in marriage on December 24, 1937, by a Justice of the Peace at Burlington, Kansas. They made their home on the family farm until her death on March 27, 2001. He is also preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his daughter, Joyce Phillippi and her husband, David, of Mission; two sons, Ralph Nelson and his wife, Gail, of Olathe, and Bernard Nelson of Overland Park; sister, Mary Alice Mealman and her husband, Leo, of Ottawa; seven grandchildren; and, twelve great-grandchildren. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Pomona United Methodist Church 10:30A.M. Tuesday, August 13, 2002. Graveside Masonic Services by McKinley Lodge No. 41 A.F.& A.M. OFFICIATING CLERGY: Pastor Glenn Yancy. IN STATE: Mr. Nelson will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 5:00P.M. Sunday to the service hour where the family will meet with friends 7-8 Monday evening. CEMETERY: Woodlawn Cemetery, Pomona, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Pomona United Methodist Church or North Care Hospice c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.