Ralph Edwin Nelson

Ralph Edwin Nelson, Sr.

Born July 9, 1942, in Houston, TX.

Ralph graduated from AC Jones HS in Beeville, TX in 1959.  He graduated from Del Mar College with an Associate in Arts on August 22, 1993.  He graduated from Texas A&M Corpus Christi with a Bachelor of Arts on December 17, 1994. 

Ralph worked for the Texas Department of Transportation for 10 years as an Electrician.  He was a Petroleum Engineer at Magcobar Dresser for 10 years.  He taught history at Flour Bluff HS in Corpus Christi, and Moreno Jr. High School in Beeville before retiring and continuing to educate children as a substitute teacher for another 15 years.

Ralph was a member of the Lutheran Church and attended services at St. Stevens in Portland, TX. 

Ralph joined the Freemasonry and was very active for many years, holding multiple offices at several lodges – Portland, Tranquility, and Gregory.  He served as the Worshipful Master of the Portland and Gregory, TX lodges.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys & Edward Nelson, and step Grandson Ryan Reed.  He is survived by his sister Ruby Evelyn Gardner, his loving wife Judith Nelson, his son Ralph Nelson Jr. and his spouse Regina Grajales, and his daughter Jacquelyn Rogers.  He also has 9 Grandkids – Allison Rogers and her fiancé Brian Rodgers, Samuel Rogers, Jacob Rogers, Olivia Rogers, David and Katy Valentine, Nathan Ramon, and Noah Ramon.

Ralph enjoyed hunting with friends and family, was an avid gun collector, and enjoyed automobiles and auto sports of all kinds.  He also loved Texas History and was very involved in numerous history related activities – as a student, a teacher, living history re-enactor, and through storytelling.

He went home to join the Lord, his family members, and many dear friends on March 21, 2023.  He was greatly loved and will be missed dearly.

Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, March 31, 2023 at Winsteads’ Funeral Home in Portland. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Winsteads’ Funeral Home with the interment to follow at The Palms Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com