Paul Edgar Nelson

Paul was born on the very fine day of September 1, 1942, to Elaine and Robert Nelson in New Orleans. He grew up in New Orleans, attended Country Day High School, then graduated from Southeastern University. While Paul was at university, he was set up on a blind date in 1963 with Page Thompson, who instantly became the love of his life for over 60 years.

Paul and Page had three children, Norris Page (Alex Gagnet), Louise Webb Nelson (Helen Newton), and Robert Paul (Allyson Titus), who kept Paul busy making sailing dinghies, the push-mobile, and plenty of bike rides to McKenzie's for buttermilk drops. Paul loved watching his family grow and be happy.

Paul enjoyed his days on his boat, tinkering, reading, and making new friends. He was thoughtful, creative, a wonderful storyteller and a history buff.

Paul valued his regular lunch dates and excursions with his buddies, during which the “old guys” would exchange books and show-and-tells. Paul was rarely without a prop for a story and a captive audience.

Paul spent years volunteering at the National WWII Museum and was on the restoration team rebuilding the PT-305, during which he would recount his duties in the Coast Guard.

The unofficial "Mayor of Robert and Baronne Streets," Paul loved his neighborhood strolls, talking with his neighbors, and watching the birds and trees change through the seasons.

Paul swapped his time for money (his words) while at IBM for 26 years and then at Carl E. Woodward.

Paul leaves behind his beloved wife, Page, his big-shot big brother, Craig R. Nelson, and sweet younger sister, Kathy Nelson. He also leaves his 3 children; 8 grandchildren (William Winchester Gagnet, Nelson Catesby Gagnet, Christopher Page Gagnet, Bennett Robert Nelson, James Titus Nelson, Carter Penn Nelson, Shanen Marie Wall, Jacob Scott Newton); and 3 great-grandchildren.

An advocate for snail mail, there is a chance you will receive one of Paul’s famous letters, complete with his sketches, on its way to you.

Family and friends are invited to a funeral service at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home and Cemeteries, 5100 Pontchartrain Boulevard, New Orleans 70124, on August 19, 2026. Visitation will take place from 11:00 am-12:00 pm, followed by a service at noon.

Reception to follow.