Thomas Nelson

Thomas E. Nelson, 62, of Lawrence, died Sunday, Sept. 2, 2012, at his home. He fought pancreatic cancer for a year.

He was born Oct. 18, 1949, in Tokyo, Japan, to Edward G. and Mildred Nelson, who were working as missionaries. When he was two, the family moved to Taiwan. They returned to the United States when Tom was 11. He graduated from high school in Manchester, NH, and attended North Park University, Chicago, and the University of New Hampshire.

He married Deborah Allen on June 2, 1974, in Franklin, NH. They moved to Lawrence in 1982, and together they owned and operated Nelson Machine & Tool in Lawrence for 25 years.

Tom loved his family, his trade, cutting firewood and fishing at Eagle Lake, Ontario.

He is survived by his wife Deborah, of the home; two sons, Jesse B. Nelson of Lawrence, and Jared T. Nelson of Denver, CO. He also leaves his sister Mary Ahlgren, of Sanbornton, NH, and her husband Steve Ahlgren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Donations in his name may be made to the Lawrence Humane Society or the Kansas Land Trust, in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, 66044.

The family will welcome friends at the home on Thursday, Sept. 6, from 5:00 on.