Gerald Verdell Nelson, 71, of Nederland, Texas, with his family at his bedside, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 24, 2010.  Gerald was born on July 23, 1939 in San Antonio, Texas to Leon Joseph Nelson and Della Faye (Jordan) Nelson.  Throughout his childhood, Gerald moved all across the Southwest, following his father’s work as a building maintenance man and painter.  In addition to San Antonio, he lived in Tulsa, Dallas, Arizona, and Houston.  Gerald often took odd jobs with his father to help support their family.

    They eventually settled in Houston where Gerald graduated, one year early, from Lamar High School in 1956.  After graduation, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to Beaumont, Texas where he intended to help start a restaurant.  But when the owner’s business plans fell through, Gerald made a decision which began to shape what would become a long and meaningful career.  He decided to enroll in the engineering program at Lamar Institute of Technology where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1960.

    In that same year, Gerald took a job with Texaco.  As part of a 34 year career with the company, Gerald worked in the Research and Development Department on numerous projects.   He pioneered numerous breakthroughs in areas such as hydrodesulfurization of vacuum gas, petroleum and hydrocarbon oils; hydroconversion and ebullated bed processes, and zeolitic and fluidized catalytic cracking.  He is recognized by the United States Patent Office as the co-inventor of twenty-four processes, methods and systems in his field of expertise.

    But Gerald’s most meaningful discovery, one that would change his life forever, was Evelyn Warlick: The love of his life.  Gerald and Evelyn met at Texaco in 1963 and were joined in holy matrimony on August 9, 1964 at Saint Mark’s Methodist Church in Port Arthur, Texas.  In 1966, Gerald and Evelyn settled in Nederland where they raised three beautiful children:  Mark Eden, Steven Todd, and Jill Suzanne.

    Gerald was a committed father who always put his family first.  He coached the boys’ baseball teams, enjoyed attending Cub Scout campouts, and liked to follow Jill’s cheerleader squads to various competitions around the country, including one national competition in Florida.  He loved to root for his Nederland Bulldogs and rarely missed one of their football games!

    A student of God’s Word, Gerald joined Wesley United Methodist Church in 1970.  For close to four decades, he was actively involved in the church’s growth, health, and success.  He taught Sunday school.  He served on virtually every one of the church’s committees, including stewardship and finance.  And, he was one of the members who had a vision and helped make the Christian Life Center (“CLC”) a reality.

    Gerald loved to spend time with his ten grandchildren.  Mark and his wife, Dawn, are the parents of Hannah Leigh, Dane Eden, and Blake Adam.  Steve

and Amy Nelson are the parents of Sarah Lorraine, Robyn Beatrice, and Kevin Nicholas.  Brad and Jill Howell are the parents of Megan Elizabeth, Adeline Grace, Emma Kate, and Julia Faith.  His grandchildren affectionately referred to Gerald as Granddaddy.  He loved to follow all of their activities, which include baseball, softball, football, soccer, horseback riding, dancing and gymnastics.

    Gerald was a member of the National Honors Society, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and Toast Masters.  He liked to play golf and basketball, and participate in bass tournaments.  He also enjoyed raising money for Wesley United Methodist Church at its booth at the Nederland Heritage Festival.  He was especially well known for hanging out at the booth, pedaling sausage bread, a festival favorite.

    He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Della Nelson; granddaughter Emily Nelson and step-father, Bill Laird.

    Gerald’s fight against cancer was a valiant one.  He never considered his disease as a test; instead, he used it as a testament of his faith.  In times when it might have been easier for everyone to despair or sulk, Gerald would be the one to say: “Remember to keep your chins up.  You can see more of God’s heavens that way.”  As we remember Gerald’s life and mourn his passing, we can also rejoice in knowing that he has taken his place in the kingdom of God, a place where there is no pain or suffering.  With this assurance, we can all keep our chins up and smile.

    Memorial contributions in memory of Gerald V. Nelson may be made  to Wesley United Methodist Church Building Fund, 3515 Helena Avenue, Nederland, Texas 77627.