Ray James Nelson

A beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to everyone he met, Ray James Nelson passed from this life to his next Thursday, July 22, 2010. He was 79 and a native of Baton Rouge. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann; three children, Michael M. Nelson, Nancy Nelson Howden and her husband, Rick, and Susan Nelson Gottschalk and her husband Bill; stepchildren, Mike Cahill and his wife Paula, Pat Cahill and his wife, Celeste, and Jackie Robert; and sister, Peggy N. Werner and her husband, Leonard. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and three great grandchildren, Mike Junior and Conner; Charlie and Trevor; Brittney, Brook Brent and mother Michelle St. Pierre; Kelly, Corey and Jeremy; Christian and Bobby; Houston and Haden; Caleb, Mathew and Mary Catherine. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert E. Nelson; mother, Thelma D. Nelson; brothers, Robert E Nelson Jr. and Don C. Nelson; and son, Erick Ray Nelson. Ray was a LSU graduate and avid fan, a member of the East Baton Rouge Lion's Club and a member of the CPCU Jaycees. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend visitation and the funeral Mass. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., Sunday, July 25, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visitation at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 445 Marquette Ave., Monday, July 26, from 9:30 a.m. until funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Internment in Roselawn Cemetery at 4042 North St.