Ralph Eugene Gene Nelson

Ralph Eugene "Gene" Nelson, 74, of Lake Charles, LA died at 3:57 AM on Monday, June 27, 2011 in a local hospital.

Born July 7, 1936 in Wichita, KS, Mr. Nelson graduated from McPherson High School and the University of Kansas with a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Management. He served in the National Guard and was the owner / operator of a service station in McPherson, KS for a number of years. Mr. Nelson went on to serve twenty years in the U.S. Army, where he retired as a Major. Following his retirement, he joined his father in the family business, an affiliate of Groendyke Transport, for thirty-two years. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church, where he was active in his Sunday school class.

Mr. Nelson will always be remembered for his dedication to Christ the Lord as his Savior. He was also a loving father and grandfather and was very active with his family's activities, never missing a game or function. He supported many local children over the years by sponsoring their teams and adventures. Mr. Nelson was also an avid deer hunter. Many will also remember Diamond, his faithful German Shepherd, who was his constant companion.

Mr. Nelson is survived by his sons, Brad Nelson and wife Karen Bearb Nelson of Lake Charles and Tim Nelson and wife Lisa of Overland Park, KS; daughters, Susan Nelson of Lawrence, KS and Cassie Nelson of Sarasota, FL; brother, Jerry Nelson and wife Angie of McPherson, KS; and grandchildren, Kay Nelson, Grant Nelson, Aleks Nelson, and Sara Nelson.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jim Nelson; parents, John and Bea Nelson; and sister, Nancy Guoit.

His funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 1, 2011 at the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Matt Cloud will officiate. Burial will follow at Consolata Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and continue on Friday from 8:00 AM until the start of the service.

Donations can be made to Trinity Baptist Church, 1800 Country Club Road, Lake Charles, LA 70605, Calcasieu Parish Animal Shelter, 5500 Swift Plant Road Bldg A, Lake Charles, LA 70615, or Camp Pearl Ministries, P.O. Box 10, Reeves, LA 70658.

The family would like to express a special word of thanks to the staff of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital ICU, West Cal-Cam Hospital ICU, and Cornerstone Hospital for the excellent care given.