Nelson Speed

1938 - 2025

Nelson Speed

Oct 14, 1938 - Oct 19, 2025

Nelson was born on September 14, 1938, in Daisetta, Texas, of Liberty County, the second of three children born to James Elton and Agnes Speed. He spent his childhood among the piney woods of the Gulf Coast area where he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors. Whether exploring the woods or hunting game, Nelson cherished every moment to be close to nature --- especially goose hunting in the marsh areas near the rice fields.

He attended Hull-Daisetta schools from elementary through high school, graduating with the Class of 1957 where he was honored to be named their permanent class president. Following his father's footsteps, Nelson began working part time for Texaco Oil Company in the oil fields of that area. Once he was old enough to climb a derrick, he found a way to earn money for college through hard work and determination.

After high school, Nelson attended Lamar State College of Technology in Beaumont, Texas, for two years before transferring to Baylor University in the fall of 1959. He graduated from Baylor in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a deep enduring pride in his alma mater. As a devoted Baylor Bear for life, he faithfully supported The Bears through times of victory or defeat. While at Baylor he served as director of Penland Hall men's dormitory and later as director of Brooks Hall. He was a member of Baylor's Dean of Men's Staff until 1968.

It was during his time at Baylor that Nelson met the love of his life, Kaye Mask, in the summer of 1963. While enrolled in a 7 a.m. post graduate class located in Pat Neff Hall, he saw the young lady he knew he was going to marry, long before she knew it herself. After her graduation in June of 1964, the two were married in her hometown of Lytle, Texas. Kaye became his steadfast partner and the center of his world. Their first home was Brooks Hall, a dormitory filled with young men who, to this day, fondly remember "Mr. Speed" as part of their own Baylor experience.

Nelson and Kaye shared sixty-one beautiful years of marriage, filled with laughter, faith and love. Their greatest joy was their two children, Wes and Ashley. Together, they built a home rooted in a Christian faith that shaped their lives and touched the lives of everyone around them.

After leaving Baylor in the summer of 1968, Nelson was employed by the local MHMR organization where he supervised work experiences for a group of special needs young men. Shortly after that he found his calling in the profession of real estate, selling Texas land and properties for the next fifty plus years. He formed Speed Realtors where he was both owner and broker. Nelson especially enjoyed seeing families become first time home owners, often developing lifetime relationships with many of his clients. During his time in real estate, he was President of the Waco Association of Realtors in 1999 and Waco Association of Realtors Director of Leadership in 2005. He also served on the McLennan County Appraisal Review Board and was recognized by the National Association of Realtors as the status of Realtor Emeritus for his service to the profession of real estate. Nelson spent a lifetime serving others and never retired from real estate.

Nelson was a member of First Baptist Church Waco for sixty-one years where he was an active member of the Abner McCall Sunday School class and an ordained deacon. He also taught a Sunday School class of Junior High boys in the 1980's and early 1990's, often saying his time spent with those young boys was one of the best investments he ever made, as they are now fine examples of Christian men in both their home and community.

Nelson Speed will forever be remembered as the master of practical jokes and one who brought laughter wherever he went. For more than twenty years, his annual Christmas letters became a beloved tradition, cleverly written and filled with stories that often left readers guessing which parts were fact and which were fiction. Nelson always seemed to have a surprise up his sleeve, ready to share a laugh or a playful trick with anyone willing to join in. He loved games of all kinds and never missed a chance to play, especially with his children, nieces, nephews and the neighborhood kids. True to one of his favorite mottos, "Never Grow Up."

Nelson embodied a youthful spirit throughout his life.

A devoted reader, he had an endless love of cowboy tales and Westerns, often saying one could never read too many books by Louis L'Amour, William W. Johnstone or Zane Gray.

Nelson was preceded in death by his parents, Elton and Agnes Speed; sister, Carol Ann Speed; and his in-laws, Clarence Westley and Maida Estelle Bush Mask.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Kaye Mask Speed; his son Wesley Randolph Speed and wife, Robin of Flower Mound, Texas; his daughter, Ashley Speed Barnes and husband, John of League City, Texas; and his sister, Mary Beth Golding of Winnie, Texas. He leaves behind five dearly loved grandchildren, Caleb Randolph Speed, Caroline Rea Speed, Crosby Rebekah Speed, Luke Bodie Barnes and Riley Kaye Barnes, each of whom brought him immense pride and joy. His survivors also include numerous nieces, nephews and cherished in-laws, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

Nelson's life was marked by faith, family, laughter and love. He lived each day with a generous heart, a quick wit and a deep devotion to those he cherished. His legacy will live on in the many lives he touched through his kindness, humor, steadfast faith and unwavering love for his family and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made in Nelson's honor to First Baptist Church Waco, 500 Webster Ave., Waco, Texas 76706, designating either the First Baptist Foundation or Music Scholarship Program. They may also be made to Friends For Life, 5000 Lakewood Drive, Waco Texas 76710, a local organization that provides support and services for adults with disabilities, helping them live their best and most independent lives in an effort that reflects the compassion and generosity Nelson showed throughout his life.

Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey

6101 Bosque Blvd. Waco, TX 76710