Obituary of Nick Joe Nelson

Nick Joe Nelson passed away on December 18, 2024, at his home in Fort Worth, Texas.  He was born July 5, 1929, in Amarillo, Texas to Elijah Clemens Nelson, Jr. and Francis Marie Sanderson Nelson.  Funeral services will be held at South Hills Christian Church, 3200 Bilglade Road, Fort Worth, Texas on January 5, 2025, at 1:30 P.M.  Burial will be January 6, 2025, at 1 P.M. at the Llano Cemetery in Amarillo, Texas.

Nick attended school in Amarillo, Texas, graduating from Amarillo High School in 1947.  At the time of his graduation, Nick enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve, where he served for over 31 years and attained the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer. 

In 1950 Nick served as an Amarillo Police Officer for 5 years in the patrol division and later in the ID and records division.

After obtaining a degree in Business Administration in 1960, Nick was employed by Phillips Petroleum Company where he worked for 30 years.

On December 30, 1966, Nick married Mira Kirk Pace of Denver, Colorado.  Nick had two daughters from a previous marriage, Frances Elaine (deceased) and Pamela Kay.  Mira also had two children from a previous marriage, Daniel Thomas (deceased) and Connie Marie.

Nick and Mira attended South Hills Christian Church.  Nick enjoyed singing in the choir and served as church Treasurer for many years.

Nick volunteered at Tarrant County Guardianship Services as a court appointed guardian for 23 years.  He served as volunteer, employee, and member of the Board of Directors and was recognized as Volunteer of the Year in 2010.

Nick and Mira enjoyed traveling and traveled extensively to various parts of the world in their younger years.

Nick is survived by his wife, Mira; his children Pamela Kay Gonce of Amarillo, Texas, and Connie Marie Ward of McKinney, Texas; several nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many friends.