Leon Jake Nelson

In Loving Memory of Leon Jake Nelson

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Leon Jake Nelson, who left this world on January 22, 2026, at the age of 89.

Born at home in Ponca City, Oklahoma, on December 8, 1936, to Fred and Minnie Nelson, Leon was the youngest of five children. After graduating from Ponca City High School in 1957, he served his country in the Army.

In a wonderful story of lifelong love, Leon met Alta Kendall, and the two were married in 1965. They built a beautiful life together, celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary in May, 2025. Their bond was an inspiration to all who knew them.

Leon was a dedicated and hardworking man. He worked for Fife Corporation for five years before beginning a long and respected career at Dayton Tire/Firestone, where he served as a Final Inspector for 28 years until his retirement in 1999. Never one to sit still, he then joined the grounds crew at Putnam City Schools for another eight years.

Leon was a member of Bethany First Church of the Nazarene and found great joy in attending Sunday School. His passions were simple but deeply felt. He loved camping, traveling, a good day of fishing, and tinkering in his garage, always finding ways to make things work better. He was an avid fan of OSU Football and the OKC Thunder, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family, including his beloved grand dogs, Iris Ann, Gracie Mae, and Chuck.

In November of 2022, Leon moved to Southern Plaza, where he thrived. He treasured the residents and staff who made him smile daily, enjoyed games of bingo, and found comfort in having friends read the Bible to him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Alta; his two children, David Nelson (Pam) and Tammy Conaughty (Mike); two grandchildren, Zachary Nelson and Nicholas Nelson; and one great-granddaughter, Madeline Nelson, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Minnie Nelson; his mother and father-in-law, Ruby and W.O. Kendall; and his siblings, Elmer Nelson, Freddie Nelson, Geraldine Headley, and Madeline Hunt.

Leon's warm spirit and gentle nature will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A special thank you is extended to the compassionate nurses of Good Shepherd Hospice and his dedicated caregivers, Trish and Tina, for their wonderful care.

Viewing at Mercer-Adams will be from 12-7pm with family present from 5-7pm on Tuesday, January 27.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Mercer-Adams Chapel in Bethany, Oklahoma. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed on this obituary page.