Kenneth "Ken" Edwin Nelson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth “Ken” Edwin Nelson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather   who left us after a courageous battle with the beast of a brain cancer called glioblastoma.

Born on October 3, 1944 in Minneapolis, MN to Lucille Dawn and Oliver Nelson, the third of five children, Alan, Rodney, Jim, and Cindy. Ken met the love of his life in high school, and knew she was the one. Ken proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corp, joining in 1962. He was active, transporting troops. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA and became Catholic while he was in the service. Ken always embodied the values of honor, courage, and commitment throughout his life. His service left an indelible mark on all who knew him, and he carried the Marine spirit into every chapter of his journey. He received the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Rifle Expert Badge.

Ken was honorably discharged from the Marines in 1966, moved to Bettendorf, IA and married Sandi. He began a career in accounting. Ken was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Sandi, for 59-1/2 years.  Ken was also a cherished father to Heather. His family was the heart of his world, and he found his greatest joy in their love and togetherness.

They decided to move to Texas in 1974, and Ken began his construction company. After the birth of his only grandson, his focus changed to him. In 2010, they moved to Steamboat, Colorado, and then to St. George, Utah, and finally landed back in East Texas where they made lifelong friends.

A devout Catholic, Ken lived each day guided by his devotion to God. He was an active member of St. Matthew’s, where he found strength, community, and purpose. He thanked God everyday for his many blessings. His strength and resilience were an inspiration to all who knew him.

Beyond his dedication to faith and family, Ken had an adventurous spirit and a passion for travel and playing the slot machines and spending time with friends. He never met a stranger. Whether exploring new places or revisiting favorite destinations, he embraced the beauty of the world with curiosity and gratitude.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Lucille Nelson, his brothers Alan and Rodney. Ken is survived by his spoiled best friend and companion, Maggie, his loving and devoted wife Sandi, his brother Jim and sister Cindy; daughter Heather (Darrel), granddaughters Laura Philmon, Maeve (Zach) Bowers, and Dayna (Cole) Wiseman; and his only grandson Dalton Philmon; and two great grandchildren Pax and Vin Bowers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on February 20, 2026 at 10am Rosary, 10:30am Mass at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 2800 Pine Tree Road, Longview, TX 75604 with inurnment to follow at St. Matthew’s columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The American Brain Tumor Association (https://www.abta.org/).