Robert Dalton Nelson

Dalton was preceded in death by his parents; Bob and Frances.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Dixie Lea Nelson, his loving daughters Bethany Finley and Anna Larson, his treasured grandchildren Jayce, Savanna, Owen and Emery Larson, and his adoring sisters Rebecca Edwards, Enola Nelson, and Velma Nelson.

Dalton accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior around the age of 8, while his AirForce family was stationed in Tripoli, Libya, and he was baptized in the Mediterranean Sea. Throughout his life, his love for the Lord grew. He lived his life with the conviction of, and the commitment to The Great Commission. He wholeheartedly knew his purpose on this Earth was to love his neighbor as himself and to spread the good news of Jesus’ love far and wide. Dalton can best be described as having a servant’s heart. He was truly the hands and feet of Jesus to all he met.

Dalton graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University in May of 1973, and promptly married the love of his life the day after graduation. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year. Dalton joined the AirForce and proudly served his country flying F4 Phantoms. He later became an instructor at Eglin Air Force Base teaching the art of laser guided missiles. When he and Dixie welcomed their daughters into the world, he left the military and moved to Houston becoming a pilot for Continental Airlines. Flying was his passion. He was licensed to fly planes as a teenager before he was licensed to drive cars. After he retired as a Captain from Continental, he continued to pursue his love for flying by building airplanes and was involved with a wonderful community of pilots at a local airport in Crosby, Texas.

Dalton lived an amazing life, filled with adventure, world travels and a dedication to serving others and furthering the kingdom of Heaven. He led young men in the Royal Ambassadors program at Humble Areas First Baptist Church, taught in AWANA’s, volunteered through “Kids’ Hope” and “Loving Kids” tutoring elementary school students who’d fallen behind, built extraordinary Vacation Bible School set ups, and did handiwork for widows and the elderly. He served without expecting glory or recognition. He was passionate about supporting ministries around the world that brought the word of God to those who didn’t know Him.

In lieu of flowers, Dalton has requested his friends and loved ones to continue his support of the following ministries: MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship), LifeLine Pregnancy Care Center Humble, Tunnels to Towers (supporting first responder families and veterans), Pacific Garden Mission of Chicago (ministering to the homeless), and Ratio Christi (collegiate ministry).

A visitation for Dalton will be held Monday, November 18, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, Texas 77039. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, November 19, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Second Baptist Church - North Campus, 22770 US-59, Humble, TX 77339. A visitation will occur Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Piney Grove Baptist Church, 4914 FM2455, Pittsburg, TX 75686. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Piney Grove Baptist Church, 4914 FM2455, Pittsburg, TX 75686. A committal service will occur Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Piney Grove Cemetery, 4914 FM2455, Pittsburg, TX 75686.