Herbert H. "Bill" Nelson Jr.

On November 06, 2025, Herbert (Bill) Nelson Jr. of Oklahoma City passed away at the age of 87.

Bill was born on May 3, 1938, in Hennessey, Oklahoma to Herbert (Hub) Nelson Sr., and Dorothy Nelson. Bill was the oldest of three boys and lived in many cities as a boy because of his dad's profession in road construction. He spent numerous summers on the farm at his grandparents' home in Hennessey where his love for the outdoors grew and flourished.

Bill graduated high school from Putnam City in 1956 where he was heavily involved as the Student Council President. He played football for the Pirates and was a member of the yearbook staff, art club, letterman's club, and "Mr. Pirateer" runner-up. He had a love for architecture and pursued a degree at Central State University. Using his gift for drawing and design he became a Civil Engineer and Land Surveyor and began his career at DeVilla Engineering. During his time at DeVilla Engineering he was on the design team for the original monorail system at the Oklahoma City fairgrounds.

In 1980, he and two others formed Delta Surveying and Engineering in Bethany, Oklahoma. He designed numerous subdivisions and worked on many city projects. As a meticulous engineer, he took pride in his designs and was a respected businessman in his profession. One of his proudest designs was a submission for the Oklahoma City bombing memorial.

Bill loved Oklahoma history and watching old westerns, but his biggest hobby was woodworking. He used this talent to make toys for his grandchildren which included rocking horses, wagons, and rocking chairs. He bought and refinished a canoe which he named "The Flutterbye" and he and his wife Carol spent hours enjoying Oklahoma lakes and rivers. Bill also loved to cook and was best known for his award-winning chili. His chili recipe is still used by his kids and grandkids today and continues to win awards.

Bill had an unwavering faith in God and served in multiple positions at various churches throughout his life. Bill's favorite quote was "When the time is right" inspired by Ecclesiastes chapter 3: To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…

Bill was preceded in death by his father Herbert (Hub) Nelson Sr., mother Dorothy Nelson, and brother Don Nelson.

Bill is survived by his wife of 40 years Carol Nelson and her three children Tammy Frazier, Chuck Goforth, his wife Lisa, and Bethany Montazzoli, his three children from his first marriage Herbert Nelson III, his wife Coleen, LaGenna Betts, her husband Dennis, and Phillipe Nelson, his wife Carleeta, and his brother Joe Nelson, and his wife Pam. He had many grandchildren and great grandchildren which he loved and adored.

In keeping with Bill's wishes, there will be no funeral. Bill's life will be celebrated through the memories shared by family and friends. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.