Last updated on August 4, 2022
Robert E. Nelson, (Bob) age 88 of Mesquite, TX, passed away June 6, 2022. He was born August 4, 1933, in National City, CA, to Edward James Nelson and Ann Margaret De Silva. Robert proudly served his country in the U. S. Army. A member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, he was a man of great faith. Married for 67 years, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He worked as a MLRS Test Project Manager in the Telemetry/Instrumentation section with Lockheed Martin and was a good provider to his wife and six children. He was a real rocket scientist. Bob loved sports and coached kids of all ages in baseball, basketball, football and track. He was admired for his knowledge of the sport, patience and talent to coach as well as his ability to keep statistics in every possible category. He coached multiple championship teams. He enjoyed watching the Cowboys, Mavericks and Rangers, and he very much enjoyed golf. Bob was elected secretary of the Mesquite Senior Golf Association for many years and created a website online to post golf results. He also loved to eat cookies. He lived a full life and touched the lives of so many along the way. He will be dearly missed.
The legacy Bob has created was his greatest joy and accomplishment. He always carried a photo of his 15 grandchildren wherever he went. Robert is survived by his beloved wife Luann. Children: Terri Watkins (Glynn), Mike Nelson (Gwynne), Christine Middleton (Dan), Mitch Nelson (Jodie), Matt Nelson (Linda), Jenna Holland (Johnny); Grandchildren: Robbie Watkins, Chris Watkins (Brandi), Ryan Watkins (Amanda), Taylor Nelson, Chad Nelson (Nicole), Mitchell Nelson (Christina Tremel), Chase Hardy (Elaine), Andy Nelson (Lierin Greenwald), Alex Nelson, Maggie Nelson (Chris McCauley), Brian Nelson (Tessa), Nick Nelson (Marie), Blake Holland (Zoe), Megan Holland (Aaron Monroe), and Sarah Holland; Great-grandchildren: Riley and Austin Watkins, Coryn, Gabby, Grace, Max and Londyn Watkins, Emma, Aria and Travis Nelson, Greyson Hardy, Ivy Nelson, and Claire Holland; Brother Don Nelson (Jeanne), along with 2 nephews, 2 nieces and their families, Brother-in-law Gary Mitchell (Sharon).
The family will gather with friends at Rest Haven Funeral Home Rowlett on Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm with a rosary at 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held 10:30 am Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Dallas. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Rowlett.
