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Nelson Rogers Obituary
Nelson Vern Rogers, age 84, peacefully passed with family by his side in Tulsa on Thursday, December 31, 2020. He was the owner of Tulsa's iconic restaurant, Nelson's Buffeteria. Nelson was a tremendously loved personality, and genuine friend to scores of Tulsans. Nelson was born on October 23, 1936 to Nelson and Joyce Rogers of Tulsa. He grew up downtown and graduated from Central High School in the class of '55 and was on his way to becoming a Tulsa institution; much like his father Nelson Sr. who founded Nelson's in the 1920's. He went to college at Westminster, University of Oklahoma, and Tulsa University.
Following graduation, Nelson met and married Paula Suzanne Galloway of Sand Springs. They actually met at the Buffeteria and married in Tulsa in 1960. Shortly after they began a family and moved to Bartlesville and Kansas where he had a career in banking; culminating in bank president in Osborn, Kansas. Nelson and his family returned to Oklahoma in 1976 to take over Nelson's to continue the famous legacy of Nelson's Buffeteria until 2004.
Nelson had many passions, he was a fan of cinema, a spectator of ALL sports, and his favorite was playing golf and would daily pick up a round at Tulsa Country Club and many other courses with his golfing buddies. He loved playing all of the racquet sports and basketball at the downtown YMCA and was involved in every aspect of Tulsa downtown. His strong Christian beliefs guided his family in faith and he loved being involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Nelson was a devoted husband, father, brother, coach and friend to many. He especially took pride in watching his children participate in sports activities and was never too shy to give a tip or to or talk with the coach. He was a great influence and inspiration to his children and friends.
The restaurant was a hub for many Tulsa business men and was the place to be for lunch. He always greeted the customers with a huge smile and his laugh was contagious. He would always say, "Tell 'em where you got it, it has to be good." People constantly tell us of his warmth, love, and affection he had towards others and virtually to anyone who ever met him.
The man who never had an enemy, a friend to all, has ascended to his rightful place; God Bless Nelson V. Rogers of Tulsa, Oklahoma and his impact of his tremendous beneficence and good will and exuberance to our fine city!
Nelson is survived by his wife of 60 years, Paula Suzanne and four children: Jody Rogers, Nelson Barry Rogers, Steven Rogers and granddaughter, Savanna of Tulsa, Jamie Rogers Caldwell / Scott Caldwell and grandchildren, Sean, Jack, and Michael of Scottsdale, AZ.
A family graveside burial will be held in Haskell, OK and a celebration of life will be held on Thursday, January 7th, at 2:00 at the Moore's Funeral Home-Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK. There will be a webcast of the service at 2:00 PM, Thursday, January 7 at www.moorefuneral.com. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233. Share memories at
www.moorefuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nelson Rogers
Sponsored by Moore Funeral Homes & Crematory - Southlawn Chapel.
Lee Carlson
December 26, 2024
Nelson was a good friend golfing buddy and prayer warrior in our weekly bible study. We will see you again in heaven and sooner than you think luv ya Lee
Stanley Jay Hall
January 6, 2021
Fond wonderful memories of your wonderful family. God Bless your Family as you go through this time.
Lee Carlson
January 5, 2021
Nelson was a good friend golf buddy and a brother in Christ we will miss him but will have that reunion sooner than we think
T. Lynch
January 5, 2021
Mr. Rogers was a great man/brother I had the honor to care for one of his brothers and he truly was good to him Rest well to the both of them they're together once again Prayers to his Family and Friends
Justin Burkett
January 4, 2021
What a prince of a guy. I played lots of golf with Nelson and started eating downtown when I was about 12 with my grandmother and my Dad. My thoughts will be with the family.
Carolyn Fulton
January 4, 2021
Suzanne,
So very sorry to hear. I know he had been ill a while, may he rest in peace. My love to you and your wonderful family.
ROGER WATERS
January 3, 2021
Suzanne, I am so sorry for your loss. Nelson was a great guy. We had good times with both of you.
Billie BellBillie Baldridge
January 3, 2021
So sorry to hear this a very kind man my mom Billie worked 43+years
Bailey and Janet Word
January 3, 2021
Janet and I will always remember Nellie and his unbelievable antics! What a guy and what a friend!!! He will be missed!!! Janet will miss his dancing technique and their famous tennis match.
Jim Elliott
January 3, 2021
I am so thankful for the many visits we have had during the last few years, and am confident he is rejoicing in the presence of God now..Nelson had great faith in the Lord. I have some great movie film of some of the fun times we shared going back 60 years ..I will never forget his big smile and hearty laugh, and look forward to seeing him again some day.
Gary Coots
January 2, 2021
I loved Nelson as well as his whole family. I´m so sorry for you all. I have so many fun memories of him of which I still tell stories to my friends. Love to all of his great family.
Wayne Knowles
January 1, 2021
I didn't know Mr. Rogers but I have come to know his family by eating at their Buffet on Memorial. All very fine people. I also ate at Nelson's when it was downtown. I know he is missed. God Bless.
Ron Main
January 1, 2021
We will always remember Nellie at the register and the wonderful food.
Buddy Lollar
January 1, 2021
I will always remember Nelson and I will always miss him. I enjoyed every minute I spent with him and his family.
Wanda Coggburn
January 1, 2021
Suzanne we enjoyed that wonderful coconut pie at Christmas. After eating many years at your establishment downtown it was such a blessing to get to know Steve through my friend Eloise. Your family and legacy in Tulsa is really something to treasure. May God continue to bless you and comfort you.
Jim Means
January 1, 2021
I got to know him, and his Dad, while eating at Nelsons Buffeteria, mornings and noon 3-5 times a week from the 60´s-90s when ever I was in the city.
He was always a warm, kind person who not only took care of his customers, but helped his long time, loyal employees, long after they no longer worked there.
He and his family presided over a institution, on Boston, that was the location, of uncountable critical decisions, were made for Tulsa and Tulsan´s, for business, churches, schools and on an on.
That was the meeting spot!
Nelson and his family made it warm and welcoming, while severing unforgettable food.
Chicken Fried Steak, and Home Made Chocolate Pie still make my mouth water, just thinking about them!
A Great person and Contributor to all of Tulsa.
RIP
Frank ORourke
January 1, 2021
What a great person Nelson was. He was such a proud father and supporter. I remember the days of him attending Steve and my boxing fights @ OU. He is a legend in Tulsa and will be missed. RIP
Robert Lollar
January 1, 2021
So many memories of this wonderful man. He will remain forever in my heart. He received his wings.
Mike and Ann Lipp
January 1, 2021
I know Mike will remember all the fun golf times-please know you are in our thoughts and prayers always.
Lori Combs
January 1, 2021
Suzanne, it´s been so long since I saw you last - back during camp days. I´m so sorry for your loss. Nelson was a fine man. I believe he and my mom were at the same facility. Blessings and prayers for your family.
Win Spears
January 1, 2021
My condolences to Nelson's family. I ate at the cafeteria way back in the 1950's time frame and remember when Nelson Jr and Suzanne started running the cafeteria. I did not know Nelson well, but he was always a friendly class person. I am glad to have known him.
Joe And Sandie Quarterman
January 1, 2021
So sorry for your loss. We will keep your family in our prayers.
Tom Branch III
January 1, 2021
To Suzanne & family, my heart hurts for you. Please know that you are in my prayers.
Maureen Ressler
January 1, 2021
So sorry for your loss! What a memorable person!
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
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Memorial Events
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Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m.
Moore Funeral Homes & Crematory - Southlawn Chapel9350 E. 51st St., Tulsa, OK 74145
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Moore Funeral Homes & Crematory - Southlawn Chapel9350 E. 51st St., Tulsa, OK 74145
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