Bernard Carl Nelson, Jr.

Bernard was born on February 17, 1933, in the small town of Lachine P.Q. Canada. He was the first of four children brought into this world by Bernard Nelson Sr. and Lucette Ashby Nelson. The family lived in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Massachusetts prior to settling in San Antonio, Texas. Bernard was a student of the San Antonio Military Academy, the Texas Military Institute, and Alamo Heights High School.

After high school, Bernard attended North Texas State University for a year before transferring to St. Mary’s University. During his second year of college, Bernard joined the Army and served from September of 1954 until June of 1956. Bernard held a rank of specialist second class and served his country as a radar control specialist on the anti-aircraft gun, Skysweeper. After completing basic training in El Paso, Texas, he was stationed in Japan for eight months and eight days. Bernard received an early discharge due to his prior college enrollment and returned to St. Mary’s University in 1957 under the G.I. Bill. He graduated in 1959.Bernard’s professional business career included time with Joske’s Department Store, working for his father at the Nelson Tannery, and later entering the liquor and wine business as a salesman, working for Pinkie’s Liquor Store, Charles Dailey Liquor Stores, Penland Wine Distributor, and Kobrand Corporation.

Bernard married the love of his life, Patricia Gail Dailey, on January 12, 1963. They brought three children into this world: Christine Nelson Butschek (married to Richard Butschek), Eric Nelson (married to Christi Sexton Nelson), and Martha Nelson Michael. Bernard is survived by five grandchildren: Davis Michael, Sarah Nelson, Emily Nelson, Ava Michael, and Ashley Nelson. He is also survived by a younger brother, Donald Nelson, and sister, Carolyn Nelson Davis. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Bruce Nelson.

Bernard was a devout Catholic and greatly enjoyed fishing and golf.

MEMORIAL SERVICEFRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 202411:30 A.M.OUR LADY OF GRACE CATHOLIC CHURCH223 E. SUMMIT AVE., SAN ANTONIO TEXAS

Father Jorge Campos will officiate. In memory of Bernard, the family kindly suggests that donations be made to St. Francis Nursing Home. Their exceptional care during Bernard's time there was greatly appreciated.