Dallas L. Nelson, DVM, PhD

Dallas Leroy Nelson, 96, of Overland Park, Kansas, and Wakefield, Kansas, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, scholar, farmer, and community leader, Dallas lived a life defined by integrity, curiosity, and a deep love for family, agriculture, and the land he called home.

Born on October 4, 1928, to Rosalie E. and Herbert Leroy Nelson in Clay Center, Kansas, Dallas grew up on farmland near the Republican River. As an only child in a rural community, he learned independence early, filling his days with farm chores, hunting, trapping fur-bearing animals, and caring for livestock. A single-shot .22 rifle given to him for Christmas was among his most treasured gifts. His boyhood dog, Mickey, and the heartbreak of losing him inspired Dallas to pursue a career in veterinary medicine—an ambition that would shape the rest of his life.

He attended the one-room Dry Creek District 18 school before attending Morganville High School and completing his senior year in Clay Center. His father, Herbert, was a first-generation immigrant with only a sixth-grade education, but he possessed an insatiable love of learning. After long days working the farm, Herbert would spend two hours each evening tutoring Dallas—instilling in him the discipline, curiosity, and determination that would define his life. Encouraged by his father’s example, Dallas went on to earn both a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a PhD in Parasitology from Kansas State University—an extraordinary achievement rooted in the belief that education could change the course of a life.

In 1951, Dallas married the love of his life, Evelyn King, after a blind date set them on a path of over 70 years together. Their marriage was a partnership of shared values: family, faith, hard work, and service to others. Dallas and Evelyn raised their children, Cathy and Doug, with high expectations, steadfast support, and the same sense of purpose that guided their own lives.

Dallas served his country in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of Colonel. He began his professional career as a professor at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and maintained a private practice caring for both large and small animals. In 1963, he joined Bayer Corporation, where he led a team in toxicology, environmental services, and industrial hygiene, traveling the world but always keeping one eye on opportunities to invest in Kansas farmland—often by downgrading his first-class airline tickets and saving the money for land. After more than two decades with Bayer, Dallas consulted for DPRA, an economic think tank focused on agriculture and industry.

No matter where his career took him, Dallas was first and foremost a farmer. He expanded and managed the family farm estate with the same vision and dedication he brought to every endeavor. Conservation was both a passion and a mission, where he earned the Wildlife Habitat Development Award from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Wildlife Division, the Riley County Banker’s Award for Soil Conservation, and the Farm Bureau Wildlife Conservation Award. His work in agriculture extended far beyond his own fields—he served as Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners in Kansas, where he worked to advance rural development.

A gifted bread baker and wheat advocate, Dallas served as a spokesperson for the Kansas Wheat Commission, leading educational programs on agriculture, milling, and nutrition. He won first place in the Festival of Breads competition for his pumpernickel loaf and delighted his granddaughters with weekend bread-baking sessions. His philanthropic spirit touched countless lives, from funding children’s dental care in rural Kansas to endowing scholarships at Kansas State University for students from rural communities.

Dallas also had a deep appreciation for the arts. He served on the board of the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery, collected art—particularly Sandzén’s depictions of the Kansas Flint Hills—and was an active member of the American Cut Glass Association, where they traveled the country in pursuit of their next treasure. He and Evelyn found joy in both small-town treasures like the Tasty Pastry in Clay Center and the cultural offerings from various countries throughout Europe to New York City to the San Francisco Bay.

Known for his high standards and unwavering ethics, Dallas inspired those around him to work hard, aim high, and give back. He was quick with a sharp observation, often delivered with humor, and never lost sight of the importance of family. His “fish” lick kisses, travels to visit his grandchildren across the country and his constant interest in other’s endeavors will be forever cherished.

Dallas was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Evelyn; and his parents, Rosalie and Herbert Nelson. He is survived by his children, Cathy Smith (Kevin) and Doug Nelson (Dana); five grandchildren, Hilary Brown (Chris), Caitlin Baker (Andrew), Allison Williams (Code), Hayley Eckert (Chase), and Kristen Turner (Ryan); and eight great-grandchildren, Abbey, Penny, Hadley, Tripp, Charlie, Evelyn, Jack, and Clancy.

A life so full cannot be summed up in words, but Dallas leaves behind a legacy of service, stewardship, and love that will continue to shape the lives of those who knew him. His was a life well-lived—a life rooted in the land, enriched by learning, sustained by faith, and devoted to family.

In lieu of gifts, memorials may be directed to one of two causes dear to Dallas and Evelyn.

The Sandzen Gallery: Contributions may be sent to P.O. Box 348, Linsborg, KS 67456, made online at www.sandzen.org, or by phoning 785-227-2220

Dr. Dallas and Evelyn Nelson Family Scholarship at Kansas State University: Contributions may be sent to KSU Foundation at 1800 Kimball Ave., Suite 200, Manhattan, KS 66502. To make a gift online, go to www.ksufoundation.org/give/memorials. Please indicate fund M47506.

Memorial Service: Following a private family burial, all friends and family are invited to join the celebration of life for Dallas and Evelyn Nelson on Saturday, September 27 from 12:00pm-3:00pm at Life’s Finer Moments at 1285 16th Road, Clay Center, KS 67432.