Willie Dean Nelson, Sr., 68, of Beaumont, died on Monday morning February 9, 2009 in San Antonio, Texas. Willie was blessed to be surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, brothers, and family during the last days of his life.
He was born on January 17, 1941 in Port Arthur and was a graduate of South Park High School in 1960. He served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1967. Willie worked in construction and was self-employed as a paint and drywall contractor. He loved the outdoors and in his spare time he enjoyed deep-sea fishing, hunting, gardening, cooking, and listening to the oldies music. Willie also loved watching football and his favorite football team was the Dallas Cowboys.
He is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Katharine Elaine Nelson of Beaumont; daughters, Lisa Nelson Elie and her husband Michael of San Antonio, Kathy Cantrell Blincoe and her husband Jimmy of Silsbee, Jackie Cantrell Coward of League City; sons, Willie D. Nelson, Jr., Ronnie Cantrell and his wife Susan all of Beaumont,; grandchildren, Willie D. Nelson III, Matthew A. Elie, Nichole A. Elie, Tammy E. Simmons, Shelly M. Hoye, Ashley B. Erickson, Crissy L. Cantrell, Ronald W. Cantrell, Jr., Ronda Cantrell, Catrina Cantrell Peddy, Mark A. Cantrell, Jr., and Garret J. LeBlanc; eight great grandchildren; brothers, Warren C. Nelson and his wife Faye of Nome, Doug Nelson and his wife Coral Justine of Cheek; and many loving nieces, nephews, family, and friends. His mother, Carrie Nelson; father, Warren Nelson, Sr.; sister, Ellen Nelson Zoch; brother, Edgar Lee Nelson; son, Mark Anthony Cantrell preceded him in death.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 15, 2009 at Broussard’s Chapel, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. A gathering of family and friends will be Saturday, February 14, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the mortuary.
