Thomas Alfred Nelson

1939 - 2017

July 6, 1939-January 3, 2017 Thomas Alfred Nelson, 77, died peacefully at home on January 3, 2017. He was born in Houston, Texas where he graduated from Lamar High School in 1957. He then entered his beloved Texas A&M University and graduated with the Class of 1961. He served in Company A-1 and as Company Commander of B-1 . On graduation day, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt in the Army and served in Bamberg, Germany for three years. He married his beloved wife and best friend, JoAnna, on January 27, 1962. They shared 55 wonderful years .He had a 39 year career with McDermott International with whom he traveled the world. He made many friends throughout the world and was loved and respected by many in the industry. Thirty of the years with McDermott were spent in New Orleans where his magnanimous personality endeared him to all. He was president of Aurora Country Club, where he played tennis with his buddies, president of the New Orleans Texas A&M Alums, and served on the Aurora United Methodist Church Administrative Board. In 2000 his career took him to Katy,Texas where he lived until his retirement in 2013. He then went full circle and returned to College Station, Texas where he attended a multitude of A&M sporting events. He reunited with many of the Aggie friends that have blessed his life. He was his happiest in Aggieland, golfing and sharing "old Aggie" stories. The summers were spent at his little cottage on Chesapeake Bay. That was a special time to share with his family and many friends. He was a spiritual person that lived a kind and loving life. He was an inspiration to so many. He loved his Church and studying the Bible. His wife, daughters, granddaughter, and great grandsons were the light of his life. He is preceded in death by his daughter, JoBeth Nelson and his brother Ed Nelson. His survived by his wife, JoAnna White Nelson, two daughters, Ella Burlette (Ron) , Martha "Muff"Albright (Rob),granddaughter Kayla Britton (Tom) and great grandsons Ryder and Dean Britton. He also is survived by his sister, Norma Jean Nelson, and many nephews and nieces who adored him. A Memorial Service will be on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 2:00PM at Christ United Methodist Church in College Station, Texas. Another Memorial Service will be held on Saturday , January 28, 2017 at Aurora United Methodist Church in New Orleans , Louisiana at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions to Texas A&M Foundation/Corps of Cadets/Nelson 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, Texas 77840 or Aurora United Methodist Church 3300 Eton St. New Orleans, LA 70131