Vinton Joseph "Vinnie" Nelson

Vinton “Vinnie” Joseph Nelson, 46, of Lake Charles, LA, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026. Vinnie was born on April 6, 1979 in Lake Charles, LA to Paul Donald Nelson and Sheila Ann Lange Nelson where he was a graduate of Barbe High School and Sowela Technical Community College. He followed his schooling working for Kroger for over a decade.

Vinnie had a one of a kind personality and never met a stranger. Once you met Vinnie, you would never forget him. He would always let you know that he was a hugger before wrapping you up in a bear hug.

He had a big heart and was happy to spread love to everyone, most importantly his host of nieces and nephews. Whether it was helping them learn to read, use a computer, or do their homework, Vinnie showed the most love and patience to them. They will always remember their Uncle Vinnie for how much he truly cared for them as his own.

Vinnie had been a bit of a know-it-all since the day he was born. With a wealth of knowledge at his fingertips, he was always ready to offer advice or point out a better way to do things. Whether it was driving, cleaning, cooking—you name it—Vinnie was convinced he had the method figured out, and he never hesitated to share what he knew.

One of his favorite activities was zydeco dancing at dance halls around town. He loved to dress up in his hat and boots before tearing up the rug for a night out or staying in and singing around the house.

He also loved to cook (and eat). You could always count on Vinnie to make your favorite food when you came into town, when it was your birthday, or just make a pot of coffee when you came to visit. And you better put your name on the leftovers, or they were fair game to him.

Vinnie leaves behind to cherish his memory his siblings, Melisa Adrian (Mitchell) and Stacie Nelson, both of Lake Charles LA, Stephanie McCormick (Michael) of Tupelo MS, and Brent Nelson (Carrie) of Lake Charles, his nieces and nephews, Katelynn Adrian, Travis McMillian (Loren), Cade McCormick, Gavin Nelson, Kaylee Nelson, Allie McCormick, Mercedes Nelson, and Brent "Lil Brent" Nelson, his Parrain, Hubert Guillory, and second father figure, Harry Kerlegan Jr.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, Joseph and Bertina Orsot Nelson, and Stanley and Emily Heisser Lange, and his nannie, Sally Ann Nelson Guillory.

Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM with a rosary starting at 10:30 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church at 12:00 PM. The Msgr. Danny Torres will officiate. Entombment will follow the Mass at Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.