BENNINGTON — Wednesday, April 17, 2013, Merrell "Mario" James Nelson, 59, greeted his Savior face-to-face. Mr. Nelson was born Dec. 16, 1953, Ottawa, Kan. He was preceded in death by his brother, Mark Nelson.
He is survived by his loving wife, Debra Adams-Nelson; parents, James and Janet (Merrell) Nelson; sister, Joy Nelson Wolf and husband, Patrick Wolf; nephew, Graham; nieces, Risa and Cooper Wolf; and aunt Doris Nelson McGinnis.
Merrell and Debbie began making beautiful music together on Dec. 23, 1983, and would have celebrated 30 years of marriage this December.
Merrell's musical gifts can be described as extraordinary! He began playing the piano by ear at the age of 6. By the time he was 8, he was serving as organist and pianist at his parents' church in Puerto Rico. Merrell used his God given talents to serve both the Lord and his community. For the past 11 years, Merrell has served as accompanist, organist, praise band director, and director of vocal music at St. John's Military School.
People all over the United States enjoyed the musical collaborations of Merrell and Debbie. While living in Oklahoma, Merrell and Debbie performed in the select choir at the dedication of the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial site and the dedication ceremony of the opening of the museum. The members of the choirs represented the individuals lost in the bombing. Merrell and Debbie felt honored to be involved in these ceremonies and meet former Presidents, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. This was one of many blessings in a career filled with amazing musical moments.
Merrell's life was filled with sorrow, pain, and joy; and this week he stepped into the Kingdom of complete happiness, peace, and harmony. A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. today at the First Baptist Church in Salina.
Memorials may be made to Child Advocacy and Parenting Services (CAPS), The Merrell and Debbie Nelson Memorial Scholarship Fund, or The Pacific House of Mission run by niece, Risa and husband Eric Wenzel, a mission reaching every military teen at Schofield Barracks, in Hawaii, in care of Wilson Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 166, Minneapolis, KS 67467.