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Dr. Lyle Harold Nelson, 89, a long-time resident of Muskogee, died on December 7, 2020.
Lyle was born on January 8, 1931 in McAlester, OK to Audrey and Dr. LeRoy Nelson. He told many stories of growing up in the post-depression era and how the world events impacted even a small town in Oklahoma. He talked of going to visit with the POW's at the camp in town. It also seems that many of his stories ended up with trips to the dentist or doctor after colliding with something. He also spent a lot of time on the golf course, where he developed a life-long love for the game.
As with many of his generation, he watched as his older brother served in WWII. Lyle later enlisted in the navy and served aboard the USS Yancey (AKA-93) in the Korean war. He spoke often and fondly of his time in the navy and always smiled as he would tell stories about his shipmates and their experiences. He loved the opportunity the navy provided to visit locations around the Pacific which also developed his appreciation for Asian art.
He graduated from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah and would tell stories about hitchhiking back and forth on the weekends. He then enrolled at Southern School of Optometry in Memphis to follow his father and brother into the family profession.
Before he left for Memphis, he met Marlene Roberts, who was working part time at his dad's office. They had a whirlwind courtship and after a few months, he asked his dad if he should marry her, who replied 'you'd be a fool not to'. They were married and moved to Memphis for him to complete his studies.
Lyle and Marlene then moved to Muskogee, where he opened his optometry practice across the street from the new Lakeland shopping center on Callahan. He practiced there for over 30 years and loved providing for his patients. He still enjoyed writing notes on paper pads from his office that listed his phone number as 'murray 3-1021'.
Lyle was an avid golfer, almost never missing his Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning group. A scratch player for many years, he also was able to shoot his age many times in his 70's and 80's. He was very also proud of his eight holes-in-one.
He and Marlene had a great love of music and theater with season tickets to events in Muskogee and Tulsa. After Marlene passed he still looked forward to the new season. He never tired of Broadway shows and would call family to remind them a show would be coming on public television.
Lyle and Marlene were life-long members of St. Paul United Methodist Church. Over the years they both served on various committees and boards and were part of many Sunday school classes. Lyle still looked forward to church every week. His church family was a big part of his life.
Lyle was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marlene; his brother, LeRoi Nelson and sister, Eleanor Hopper, both of McAlester. He is survived by his sons, Rob Nelson and his wife Cindy of Edmond, Oklahoma, Steve Nelson and his wife Rosemarie of Austin, Texas; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Even as his health declined, when asked "how are you doing", he'd reply "I'm doing great". He was always positive and appreciated everyone that helped him. He made it within one month of his 90th birthday, which was a target he wanted to reach. He will not be here for us to celebrate with him in January, but we know that he will be able to spend that day in heaven with his Marlene and his Lord.
In lieu of flowers the family would request that donations be made to the Muskogee Little Theater.
Services will be conducted by the family at a later date. He will be available at Cornerstone Funeral Home for viewing Wednesday, December 16, 2020 from 9AM-5:30PM.
Condolences may be made to the family online at http://www.cornerstoneofmuskogee.com.
Marlene Roberts Nelson left this earth to be with her Father on October 3, 2008 after losing her battle with cancer. She was born in Stuart, OK to Foy and Merl Roberts on September 5, 1937. She grew up in McAlester, OK where she attended public school graduating valedictorian of her class in 1955.
While working for her future father-in-law in McAlester, OK, she met Lyle Nelson. They were married on August 28, 1955. For the first few years of their married lives they lived in Memphis, Tennessee, thereafter moving to Muskogee in 1958 where they made their home.
She was a long-time active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church. She was a member of many years in the New Century Club as well as PEO Chapter B. She was a homemaker who especially loved baking and cooking, sewing and needlepoint. She loved birds, decorating her home with various paintings, stills and sculptures of her winged friends, and those who knew her were aware that there was usually a set of binoculars close by so she could watch them feed in her back yard. She loved to garden and enjoyed her flowers whereby she could create a haven for her birds and butterflies which she also spent time watching. She loved to read and always looked forward to the time spent with her special Mah Jangg friends.
Marlene was blessed with a servant heart and to her last breath was more concerned with others than herself. She was never heard to complain and always found the good in any situation and in any person. All who knew her were the better because of it. Her younger years were spent taking care of and raising her two boys, and of course, Lyle. Her home was always filled with the aroma of food, and especially baking. Even as her years advanced, her children and grandchildren always knew that there would be homemade cookies, rolls and the like waiting at Nanie's house. Family gatherings were filled with the anticipation of what she would make or bring. Her grandchildren were known to come to blows over who would get the last of "Nanie's rolls."
She is survived by her husband, Lyle of 53 years. Her beloved sons Rob Nelson and his wife Cindy of Edmond, OK and Steve Nelson and his wife Rosemarie of Austin, Texas; grandchildren Alyssa, Austin and Andrew of Edmond and Connor and Caroline of Austin; sister Phyllis Roberts of McAlester, OK and brothers Ken Roberts and wife JoAnn of McAlester, Willis Roberts and Dalline of Owasso, Eleanor Hopper and Annette Nelson of McAlester and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. celebration of her life will be held at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Muskogee, OK at 1:00 p.m. Monday, October 6, 2008 with Rev. Mark Jardine officiating. Memorials may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church Building Fund.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Foster-Petering Funeral Home.
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