Robert M. Nelson
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Graveside inurnment for Robert M. “Bob” Nelson, 88, Lawrence will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 23, 2010 at Pioneer Cemetery in Lawrence. A Celebration of Life will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at Alumni Center at the University of Kansas. He died April 9, 2010 at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.
He was born March 12, 1922 in Sedan, Kansas the son of Robert Raymond and Grace (Stamm) Nelson.
He graduated from the University of Kansas. He served his country in the Navy during World War II.
Mr. Nelson was the Program Coordinator in the Continuing Education Department for the University of Kansas for 32 years.
He was known as the “Old Jayhawk”. In 2000, he was noted as "Jayhawk Fan of the Century". He received the “Millie Award” from KU and was made an honorary member of the K Club. He was a member of the Williams Education Fund; a Life member of the KU Alumni Association; member of the Breakfast Optimist Club, and the American Legion – Dorsey-Liberty Post #14.
He married Eleanor Mae Brouner Womack on May 18, 1991 in Reno, Nevada. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include three sisters, Clara Hagerman, and her husband Max of Chesterfield, MO; Laura Savage of St. Louis, MO; Elizabeth Talbert of Phoenix, AZ; three step-daughters, Connie Simon and husband, Richard of Palm Desert, CA; Linda Johnson and husband, E.J. of Stevenson Ranch, CA; Vickie Sanders of San Jose, CA; five grandchildren, Jennifer Zelinski, Richard Simon, Sara Simon, Eric Sanders, and Sydney Johnson.
The family suggests memorials in his name to Lawrence Humane Society or the Lawrence Salvation Army and may be sent in care of the Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
Bob taught me what it meant to be a Jayhawk fan with undying devotion. He was man full of life and love for his beloved alma mater but importantly his friends and family. I feel fortunate to have known him and to have experienced a night of revelry with “The Old Jayhawk.”
Bob was more than a friend to us, he was family, and, he will forever be in our thoughts and hears forever, he was a man, a fan, and the best friend a person can ask for. GO HAWKS WE LOVE U BOB
Dear Eleanor,
We were shocked to learn of Bob’s death. Not only were we good friends, but we were also neighbors for nearly 20 years. We remember all the entertaining you did for so many of your friends.
With special caring,
Glee and Jerry
Dear Eleanor and family, I was sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He will be remembered by many as the essence of Jayhawk spirit. Love from the Bowles family
Dear Eleanor and family, I was sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He will be remembered by many as the essence of Jayhawk spirit. Love from the Bowles family
Eleanor & Family; We were saddened to hear of Mr. Nelson’s passing. We know that his “Jayhawk Spirit” will continue to touch many others for generations. He was the greatest of friends with my Dad and they shared many great Jayhawk stories and experiences, as have we. We will continue to carry-on with the experiences, joys, and memories of being part of the Jayhawk Nation Family as both of you have done for so many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With Love and Sympathy, Mike & Shelly Todd (Rock Chalk)
Eleanor & Family; We were saddened to hear of Mr. Nelson’s passing. We know that his “Jayhawk Spirit” will continue to touch many others for generations. He was the greatest of friends with my Dad and they shared many great Jayhawk stories and experiences, as have we. We will continue to carry-on with the experiences, joys, and memories of being part of the Jayhawk Nation Family as both of you have done for so many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With Love and Sympathy, Mike & Shelly Todd (Rock Chalk)
I will miss the Ol’ Jayhawk. My dad and Bob went back way before my time, and I will never forget the stories they could tell (there are probably some they couldn’t tell either :).
Eleanor, we always thought of Bob as an Uncle, and ever since we have known you it seemed like family.
Bob will be missed by many, but none will ever forget his presence.
I am honored to have been able to call Mr. and Mrs. Nelson friends.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. The Old Jayhawk will always have a special place in my heart. He took such good care of Janice, Joe and me when we met him at the Hall of Fame Bowl. He didn’t know us from Adam and yet he took us under his wing and help make our trip a memorable one. A great guy – A GREAT JAYHAWK.
Dear Eleanor and Family,
You have my love and my deepest sympathy. I will always remember how much Bob loved KU, but most of all how he loved his family. I will always remember his sense of humor, and the joy he carried with him always. He will be missed. All of you are special to me, I am praying for each of you. Love always, Barbara