Oliver Nelson

Oliver Nelson passed away on February 9, 2014 at the age of 83. He was born on September 13, 1930 in Danville, IL to Elisha and Lucille (Edwards) Nelson. Oliver was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Wyvon Nelson; daughter, Robin Nelson; brother-in-law, William H. Nelson; survived by his daughter, Danita Nelson; son, Oliver Lee “Stretch” Buford, his wife Evelyn; grandchildren, Oliver Lee Buford Jr., Schuyler Nelson-Brown, wife Masa, Ivy Love, husband Dwight; great-grandchildren, Donovan and Iyana Love; sisters, Cora Harper, Jewel Nelson and Estella Crawford, husband Draymond; and brother, Elisha Nelson, his wife Ruth. Oliver was a member of the American Legion, Post 667, in Universal City, a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, and a Prince Hall Mason, Lodge # 31 and a trustee at the Resurrection Baptist Church. A visitation will be held on Friday, February 14, 2014 from 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at Resurrection Baptist Church, Schertz, TX. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 1:00 P.M. at Resurrection Baptist Church, Schertz, TX. Interment will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at 2:30 P.M. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Oliver Nelson passed away, peacefully, on February 9, 2014 at the age of 83. He was surrounded by loved ones at the home of his grandson, Schuyler Nelson-Brown, in Austin, Texas. He was born September 13, 1930, in Como, Mississippi to Elisha and Lucille (Edwards) Nelson. The family moved to Danville, Illinois, where he attended public primary and secondary schools.

Having made a confession of faith and belief in Christ at an early age, Oliver was a member of the First Baptist Church of Batestown from childhood and throughout adult life in Illinois. Upon relocation to Texas in 1975 in, he held membership with the Savannah Baptist Church in Marion. He became a member of Resurrection Baptist Church during its founding years in the late 1970s. He was recently honored among the founding members of Resurrection Baptist Church where he was a long-standing Treasurer and member of the Usher Board.

Oliver enlisted, and served honorably in the United States Air Force – he is a Korean Conflict era veteran. While stationed in Enid, Oklahoma, he met his sweetheart of nearly 60 years, Wyvon Ruth Ross. They married in 1955, and relocated to his hometown to settle and raise a family. Two daughters, Danita Myrlane and Robin Lorraine were born to this union.

After a brief stint of employment with local industry, Oliver recommitted his work life to the military as a Department of Defense civilian employee at Chanute AFB, Illinois. His commitment endured throughout a 31-year career culminating with his retirement for the Air Training Command Technical Training Headquarters at Randolph AFB, Texas in 1987. His total service time, spanning 35 years is punctuated by awards, achievements, and accolades too numerous to list. While working full time, he earned an undergraduate degree from Eastern Illinois University.

His ‘retirement’ did not mark the end of a professional life. He earned licensure as a real estate broker and commenced work with the Century 21 Manor Realty. He went on to serve as an instructor to others seeking real estate credentials at San Antonio area proprietary schools. His employment at both the Alamodome and ATT (formerly SBC) Center enabled up-close-and-personal support of his favorite professional sports franchise: The San Antonio Spurs.

Oliver’s work life was not limited to paid employment alone. His concern for community is demonstrated by an incredible volume of volunteer service. Positions include the South Mount Pleasant (Illinois) School Board, the Danville Community Action Project, San Antonio Easter Seals, the San Antonio Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., and the Guadalupe county Appraisal Review Board.

Despite the demands of work, whether paid or not, Oliver made time to pursue social, recreational, and fraternal activities. His long-time participation in the Meharry Bowling League at Lincoln Lanes in Danville is represented by a collection of trophies, certificates, and plaques. An avid golfer, he embraced the game with fierce passion and shared his love for golf with others. He is responsible for organizing annual spring tournaments in temperate locales for his snow-bound Illinois golfing buddies. He also organized tournaments as scholarship fundraisers benefitting the San Antonio Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen. If that was not enough, he worked as a marshal for local courses hosting tournaments, including the PGA Valero Texas Open.

While living in Danville, Oliver, a Prince Hall Mason, was a member of Corinthian Lodge #31. His service included tenure as Most Worshipful Master, and he was honored as Mason of the Year. He also received an award recognizing years of service to the Masonic Fraternity from Sudan Temple #93 (AEAONMS) in 1996. Oliver was also a member of American Legion Post 667.

None of these accomplishments or avocations surpass Oliver’s love of family. A devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, nephew, uncle, and cousin – those related, by blood or marriage – mattered greatly to him. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his daughter, Robin, and brother-in-law, William Henry “Work” Nelson. He is survived by a daughter, Danita Nelson, and son Oliver Lee “Stretch” Buford (Evelyn); grandchildren, Oliver Buford, Jr., Schuyler Nelson-Brown (Masa Prodanovic), and Ivy Love (Dwight); great-grandchildren Donovan and Iyana Love; sisters: Cora Harper, Jewel Nelson, and Estella Crawford (Draymond); and, brother, Elisha Nelson, Jr. (Ruth). His aunt Arlene Nelson, and a host of brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews remain to mourn his loss. Schutz, the family dog, will also miss his loving presence.

Oliver’s life, lived fully for 83 years, is reflected in the kind sentiments extended by many of the people he encountered through all his endeavors. The family gratefully appreciates every tribute and contribution provided in his honor.