Joseph Larry Nelson Sr.

Joseph Larry Nelson, Sr., 73 of Lake Charles passed away at 8:42 AM on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 in his residence unexpectedly.

Mr. Nelson was born on January 19, 1950 in Lake Charles where he was a resident all of his life and a 1968 graduate of Marion High School. Following graduation, he attended McNeese State University before working for Citgo. During this time, Mr. Nelson was drafted to serve in the US Marine Corps. Upon being honorably discharged he began his 40 year career with Citcon as a welder, retiring in 2012. He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church and attended Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church.

He lived a colorful life and had many joys in his life such as going on a yearly seven day motorcycle ride with his coworkers, playing dominos with his best friend, Shelton Guillory, his daily conversations with his brother in law, Johnny LeDoux, attending McNeese Football games, and zydeco dancing. Mr. Nelson will be remembered as a family man who was always ready to lend a helping hand and never met a stranger.

His most treasured time was spent visiting his family and relatives. Mr. Nelson was the family peacemaker and loved all of his family, near and afar, as well as his Lord.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 48 years, Janis Nelson of Lake Charles; children, Courtney Henry (Leyland) of Houston, Joseph “Joey” Nelson, Jr. (Sonya) of Houston, and Denise Vernon (Cedric) of Cincinnati, OH; siblings, Paul D. Nelson, Sally Guillory (Hubert), Michael Nelson (Lou), and Ted Nelson (Elizabeth) all of Lake Charles; grandchildren, Kailyn Nelson, Jurnee Nelson, Drew Henry, Nylah Henry, Grant Nelson, Corey Victorian, Codee Fuquay, and Alexia Fuquay; and four great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Megan Nelson; parents, Joseph and Bertina Nelson; and a sister-in-law, Sheila Nelson.

A funeral mass will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will begin in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home at 9:00 AM and continue until leaving for the church at 11:30 AM with a rosary being recited at 10:30 AM.