Stephen Leon Nelson

Stephen Leon Nelson, a beloved husband, father, PaPa, brother, and friend, passed away on September 27, 2024, at the age of 73, in Hugoton, KS. Born on October 21, 1950, to Paul Ellis Nelson and Loretta (Smith) Nelson, in Central City, NE. Steve filled the world around him with warmth and joy, and always greeted everyone with a radiant smile.

Steve's academic journey began at Moscow High School in Moscow, KS. He pursued knowledge with unwavering determination, earning his bachelor’s degree in education from Bethany Nazarene College followed by a master’s degree in education and administration from Emporia State University, later receiving a school superintendent degree from Fort Hays State University. This foundation allowed him to inspire and educate countless young minds throughout his career of high school history, high school counselor, and elementary, middle, and high school principal.

Later in life, he furthered his career at Teeter Irrigation with various roles and increased responsibilities. After roughly 15 years of service, he retired for a short span of two weeks…. deciding it was not for him. He was then hired by Hertz Rental at the airport in Liberal, KS.

Steve met the love of his life, Lisa Jean (Gerrond), and they were married on June 8, 1979, at the First Christian Church in Hugoton, KS. To this union were three sons, Israel Brock, Koltin Britt, and Maverick Blu. Steve took immense delight in creating memories with his family, often organizing vacations where he shared his passion for history by taking his boys to museums and passionately recounting tales of presidents and their legacies. His granddaughter, Palmer Jean, added another layer of pride to his life, embodying the love and devotion that Steve carried for his family.

Music was a huge part of Steve’s life from a young age. He led congregational singing in his church, while his sister played the piano. He continued singing when he applied and received a scholarship to be in a men's quartet from BNC in Bethany, OK. He was the first freshman to be selected for this quartet. He surprised everyone when he also sang to his bride at their wedding. It didn’t stop there, he has been a praise and worship leader for many years at the First Christian Church in Hugoton, KS. What a beautiful voice he had and shared it often. 

Steve was also known as a great storyteller; he could share any story that would have the listener laughing hysterically! As many former students have shared, he was always smiling and having fun, even when they “might be” in trouble at school and in his principal office. They always knew he cared for them and had their best interest at heart. 

 These last eight weeks have been very difficult, but he continued to be polite and smile, always saying please and thank you through the pain and suffering even in his weakened voice. One nurse in Kansas City even called him “Smiley” instead of Steve and asked if she could move in with his family. She saw him as a father figure and enjoyed taking care of him as she was from the Philippines and didn’t see her own family often. 

Steve loved his jobs no matter what they were, he gave 110%! Steve will be missed by many, but he lived his life loving Jesus and was greeted graciously into HIS arms and is suffering no more. He has left a hole in our hearts, but memories are abundant, and we will cherish them forever!

Steve was a member of First Christian Church of Hugoton, and he was very active in the praise and worship team for many years. Steve is survived by his wife, Lisa, Hugoton, KS; three sons: Israel (Brock) Nelson, Wichita, KS; Koltin Nelson and wife Arika, Tulsa, OK; Maverick Nelson and companion Jessica Shankle, Tulsa, OK; a granddaughter, Palmer Jean Nelson. Also surviving are four brothers: Rick Nelson, Oklahoma City, OK; Doug Nelson, Nashville, TN; David Nelson and wife Debra, Maryland; and Darin Nelson, Oklahoma City, OK; one sister, Gaylene Stiles and her husband David, Bethany, OK. Together, they shared countless stories, laughter, and memories, reinforcing the importance of family and the connections that bind them. 

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister. 

Memorial has been established for Pheasant Heaven Charities, in care of Robson Funeral Home, PO Box 236, Hugoton, KS 67951.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Robson Funeral Home, Hugoton. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 5 PM to 7 PM at the First Christian Church, Hugoton, with the family present.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 10 AM at the First Christian Church, Hugoton. Burial will follow at Hugoton Cemetery, Hugoton, KS. 

As we gather to celebrate the remarkable life of Stephen "Steve" Leon Nelson, we remember a man whose laughter, love for family, and commitment to sharing knowledge will be deeply missed, but forever cherished in the hearts of his loved ones.