Earnest M. Nelson

Earnest M. Nelson, 94, of Roeland Park, Kansas, went to be with his Lord and Saviour on May 10, 2011, after a long, full life.

Earnest was born on May 5, 1917, in Satanta, Kansas, and later moved with his family to Garden City, Kansas. He left Garden City to serve his country for the U.S. Army in World War II in the European theatre. He was stationed throughout Europe and served as an M.P. and rear-echelon clerk with the 35th Division. When he returned from serving, he attended the University of Kansas, and graduated with a degree in Business in 1950. Earnest started working for Burtis Motor Company and later Century Refining Company in Garden City, before moving to Kansas City to work in the credit union at Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company. Earnest worked for Panhandle Eastern for over 30 years, eventually rising to vice-president of the credit union.

Earnest was a life-long sports fan and will be joining his younger brother Leland in heaven, loyally cheering on the KU Jayhawks. He was also a big Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan. Earnest enjoyed playing golf and bowled in the N.E. Johnson County Men's Church League for many years. He was also an avid gardener.

Preceding Earnest into heaven was his father Owen, mother Viola, older brother Melvin, and younger brother Leland. Earnest leaves behind Darlene, his wife of 53 years; a daughter Linda Atha of Prairie Village and her two daughters Amber and Neely; a son Kent Nelson of Lee's Summit, Missouri, and two younger brothers, Jarrell Nelson of Olathe, and Meyer Nelson of Shawnee.

The family suggests contributions to the Liberty Memorial where a brick honoring Earnest's contributions is located. Donations may also be made to the Southridge Presbyterian Church, or to the family for planting a tree in Roeland Park in Earnest's honor.

Visitation and Funeral Service

Visitation will be from 11:00-12:30 p.m., Saturday, May 14, 2011, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. A Funeral service will follow at 12:30 p.m. Burial in Antioch Cemetery.