SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 536
In Memory
of
William E. Nelson
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the
citizens of Waco in mourning the loss of World War II veteran
William E. Nelson, Jr., who died March 10, 2011, at the age of 93;
and
WHEREAS, William E. Nelson was born November 30, 1917, in
Gunter, Texas; he was orphaned early in his life and was forced to
live on the streets, with relatives, and in foster homes; he did
not allow his unfortunate circumstances to interfere with his
schooling, and he graduated from Celina High School, where he was
a popular young man, was elected class president, starred in the
class play, and played quarterback on the football team; he was
recruited to attend North Texas State Teachers College in Denton
on a football scholarship; and
WHEREAS, After the country was attacked at Pearl Harbor,
Mr. Nelson volunteered for the United States Army Air Corps;
based in Italy in 1944, he completed 50 missions as a top turret
gunner on a B-24 Liberator attacking some of Europe's most
protected and important targets; he and his crewmates risked
their lives daily and played a vital role in helping American
ground forces move toward the German capitol of Berlin to end the
war in the European Theater; and
WHEREAS, After having been honorably discharged, Mr.
Nelson was awarded several medals for his military service, but
he did not pursue receiving them; in 2007, some 62 years after he
earned them, his medals were presented to him by a military
activist and veteran at a reception held for him by his family and
friends; and
WHEREAS, After returning to civilian life, Mr. Nelson
worked for the Veterans Administration Regional Office in Dallas
and later in Waco for more than 30 years; he was passionately
dedicated to ensuring that veterans received the benefits they
had earned; and
WHEREAS, After he retired, Mr. Nelson enjoyed spending
time with his grandchildren, working in his garden, and traveling
with his wife of 58 years, the late Leola Hill Nelson; he was an
active member of First United Methodist Church of Waco and a
beloved member of his Sunday School class; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Nelson was a kind and generous man who was
always available to help neighbors, friends, family, fellow
church members, and even strangers; no task was too daunting for
him if someone was in need; and
WHEREAS, A beloved and respected member of his community,
William Nelson was a devoted father and grandfather, and he
leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by his
family and his many friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of William E. Nelson, Jr.: his daughters and sons-in-law,
Constance and Tom Pothier and Sally and Bobby McGowan; his son,
William E. Nelson III; his eight grandchildren; and many other
beloved relatives and friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas
Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in
memory of William E. Nelson, Jr.
Birdwell
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 16, 2011, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate