Evelyn Nona (King) Nelson

Evelyn King Nelson, 97, of Overland Park and Wakefield, Kansas, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2023. Known for her warmth, grace, and quiet strength, Evelyn embodied both the gentleness of a devoted grandmother and the resilience of a determined community leader and partner in a lifelong legacy of family, agriculture, and conservation.

Born in Newton, Kansas, to Walter and Ada King, Evelyn spent her early childhood on her grandfather’s farm before her family purchased land southeast of Mulvane. She attended the one-room Central Grade School for eight years under the same beloved but strict teacher, and in 1940, began high school in Mulvane. There she thrived—active in 4-H, excelling in business and home economics, and honored as Homecoming Queen. She was a gifted seamstress and designer, making clothes for her dolls and modeling her garments won her awards at the county and state level. Her 4-H accomplishments and leadership roles took her to the American Royal in Kansas City, a highlight of her youth. While still in high school, Evelyn began working at the Mulvane State Bank, carefully saving every penny to put herself through college.

In 1949, she enrolled at Kansas State University, working part-time in the Registrar’s Office while pursuing her education. That fall she met the love of her life, Dallas Nelson, on a blind date, and from that night forward, their lives were entwined. They married on August 12, 1951, beginning a partnership that spanned 70 years. Evelyn and Dallas both graduated from Kansas State University in 1953.

While Dallas built his career in veterinary medicine, academia, and industry, Evelyn became the steadfast manager of their home and farm estate, with a brilliance for numbers that guided their success. She meticulously maintained the farm books for decades, able to recall crop rotations and field histories stretching back a quarter century. Her organizational skills were unmatched—every record, recipe, and keepsake was carefully labeled and preserved.

Behind Evelyn’s angelic presence was a fiercely independent woman. She mowed the lawn well into her 90s, shooed snakes from gutters, could often be found on a ladder, and designed the family’s dream home overlooking Milford Lake, where she and Dallas spent their retirement years close to the farmland they both cherished.

Evelyn’s talents extended to the kitchen. She was an exceptional cook and baker, collecting recipes from her travels across the country and abroad. She won multiple awards at the Kansas State Fair, including first place in the Pan Bread category, and was a beloved spokesperson for the Kansas Wheat Commission. She and Dallas traveled the state

offering workshops on bread baking, agriculture, and conservation, inspiring generations with their knowledge and passion. At home, she passed down these traditions with her family through holiday cookie platters and bread baking lessons with her granddaughters.

Evelyn was also a woman of refinement and deep appreciation for the arts. She and Dallas also built an extensive cut glass collection and were active in the American Cut Glass Association, with Evelyn faithfully serving as treasurer of the Heart of America Chapter for 14 years. . She devoted her time to the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery, and she curated their own art collection of his works. They also shared a love of Broadway, art museums, and travel - whether savoring sourdough in San Francisco or studying masterpieces in Europe.

Her beauty, poise, and impeccable manners never faded—she was always put together, whether at home or out in the community. Her penmanship was elegant, her hospitality unmatched, and she gave the world’s most memorable back scratches. She loved the Lord and showed gratitude for all her blessings.

Throughout her life, Evelyn was deeply committed to service. She and Dallas funded children’s dental care in rural Kansas, supported education through endowed scholarships, and invested tirelessly in farmland conservation. Together, they were recognized with numerous honors, including the U.S. Department of Interior’s Wildlife Habitat Development Award, the Riley County Banker’s Award for Soil Conservation, and the Farm Bureau Wildlife Conservation Award.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Ada King, and her sister, Glenda. She is survived by her 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 and Penny Brown; Hadley and Tripp Williams; Charlie, Evelyn, and Jack Eckert; and Clancy Turner.

Evelyn lived with grace, beauty, and quiet strength, leaving behind a legacy of family, faith, and stewardship. She will be remembered not only for her elegance and intellect but also for her deep devotion to her family and the community she loved.

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.