Charles Wade Nelson

Charles Wade Nelson, 92, beloved father and grandfather, outstanding educator, honored mentor, respected singer, and extraordinary story-teller, passed away peacefully in his son’s home, Denton, TX on June 1, 2018.

His life will be celebrated by a private family memorial service and in the continued stories of all who loved and admired him.

Charles was born on March 13, 1926 in Fort Worth, Texas to John and Madge Nelson. While in the army stationed at Camp Howze, he met the love of his life, Betty Jean Brown on Easter Sunday 1945, and they married on May 30, 1947.

He graduated from University of North Texas in 1951 as a Master Music Education, and taught choir at the high school level at Carthage, Harlingen, and Edinburg Texas. He taught at the college level at Lipscomb University, Texas A&M Commerce, and Abilene Christian University.

During this time and after his retirement in 1986 Charles performed over 2300 times with 116 colleges and universities, 71 symphony orchestras, in 49 states and 15 foreign countries. Highlights include performances with symphonies in Dallas, San Antonio. Houston, Atlanta, St. Petersburg (Russia), Vilnias (Lithuania), New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville, and Kansas City. Also highlighted were several performances with the great Robert Shaw and Pablo Casals.

He held several offices with the Texas Music Educators Association and the National Association of Teachers of Singing. His presence was a staple of those and other professional organizations.

Charles is survived by son, Charles David of Denton, Texas and daughter, Bari Ann Nelson Nicolls of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Charles has seven grandchildren: David Allen Nelson, Emma Nelson Duesman, Katie Nelson, Jessica Nicolls, Will Nelson, Charles Nicolls, and John Byron Nelson IV, and two great-grandsons Grayson and Hudson Duesman. He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Nelson, son Byron Nelson III, parents John and Madge Nelson, brother Byron Nelson, and sister Margaret Sherman.

Memorials may be made to the Charles & Betty Nelson Endowed Vocal Music Scholarship at Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.