Marvin Nelson

Marvin "Frank" Nelson, 85, of Lake Charles, passed away peacefully at home in Lake Charles, LA on Friday, May 16, 2025. Frank was born and raised in Robeline, Louisiana, and made Lake Charles his home for the past 61 years. He was a generous and devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be deeply missed.

Frank was a proud 1957 graduate of Marthaville High School and went on to earn a degree in Physical Education with a minor in Math from Northwestern State University in 1961. He continued his graduate studies at the University of Mississippi and Mississippi Southern University, earning over 55 hours toward a Master of Education.

Throughout his impactful career in education and coaching, Frank served in many roles: 1961-1964: Math teacher and boys/girls basketball coach, Negreet High School; 1964-1970: Math teacher, head basketball coach, assistant football & track coach, and supervisor of student teachers, Marion High School; 1970-1978: Head basketball coach, assistant football coach, PE and math teacher, and supervisor of student teachers, LaGrange High School; 1978-1979: Sabbatical at MSU, 12 hours graduate work, graduate assistant basketball coach; 1980-1988: Math teacher and head coach of girls athletics (volleyball, basketball, softball & tennis), LaGrange High School; 1988-2001: Supervisor of Child Welfare & Attendance; 2001-2014: Homebound teacher.

His professional accomplishments include serving as Vice President, High School Basketball Coaches Association (1975-1977); President, High School Basketball Coaches Association (1976-1977); Coach of the Year, (1971-1972).

He is survived by his three children: Michael Nelson and wife Samantha, Tamra Nelson Richard and husband David, and Rick Nelson and wife Tammy Nelson; his four grandchildren, Josh Martindell, Haleigh Saucier, Shaun Nelson, and Richard Nelson; and three great-grandchildren: Harrison Saucier, Harper Saucier, and Marcus Nelson; and his sister, Jean Pitts.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirley Mitchell Nelson, his parents, Ezra and Dorothy Nelson, his sister Elizabeth Durr, and his brothers, Eric Nelson and Gerald Wayne Nelson.

Frank's Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 in the Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles Chapel, 4321 Lake St., with Rev. Marcus Wade presiding. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Monday, May 19, and from 9:00 AM until the start of the service at 10:00 AM on Tuesday.

Pallbearers are, Josh Martindell, Shaun Nelson, David Richard, Craig Martin, Richard Nelson and Harrison Saucier.

The Nelson family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and workers at St. Patrick Hospital, Davita and Heart of Hospice for their compassionate care and support. A special thank you to his wonderful nurses, Wilda, Kim, Trina, Vicki, and Kendra. You have truly been angels to our family.