The Celebration of Life for Mr. John T. Nelson will be held during Walk Thru Visitation, Saturday, June 6, 2020 from 3 until 4pm at the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church under the direction of Sparrow Funeral Home. Government Guidelines regarding Social Distancing and Wearing Mask will be observed.
Burial will be held in the Houston National Cemetery in Houston, Texas.
John Thomas Nelson, aka “Cat Burglar”, was born in Orange, Texas, on November 12, 1948, to the parentage of John T. Nelson and Adell Janice Nelson.
He accepted Christ at an early age at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church and later moved his membership to St. Therese Catholic Church with his wife. The Lord called him home from labor to rest on May 28, 2020, at his home.
John graduated from M.B. North High School in 1967. While attending high school, he was honored in 1965 by The University of Texas for completing a 40-hour course titled “Automatic Transmissions.”
After graduating, he was drafted into the United States Army in 1968, and spent most of his tour in Anchorage, Alaska, where he was discharged in 1970 as a SP4.
After he was discharged from the U.S. Army, he attended Lamar University in Port Arthur, Texas, and received his certification in Auto Mechanics. He had a gifted skill for auto mechanic work and knew about cars inside and out.
Cat Burglar loved to fish and would tell many fish stories. On many occasions he would even act them out on dry land! He held a membership with Bass Pro Shop Cabela’s until his death.
He also loved to hunt and would tell many stories about his hunting experiences as well.
Above all, he was an avid and respected gardener. He had a bountiful garden and knew how to plant a wide array of vegetables and knew exactly what time of year they needed to be planted; but anytime someone wanted to pick something from the garden, it was ALWAYS “Mrs. Emma’s garden.”
Cat Burglar loved to have fun with his family and friends. He would bring his stereo outside to play music and dance. Everyone loved his sense of humor, and the one thing he was well-known for was his contagious and toxic laugh. He had a laugh that everyone tried to imitate, but only a few chosen individuals could duplicate. Anytime someone would go to the store, his favorite saying would be, “BRING ME ONE BACK!” and everyone knew exactly what he wanted.
John T. was preceded in death by his parents John T. Nelson Sr. and Adell J. Nelson, and brother, Curtis Dockery Nelson.
He is cherished by his lovely wife Emma Jean Nelson, one son, Carlos Nelson (Sabrina) of Orange, Texas; step-children, Brushelle Scott (Richard) of Orange, Texas, Steven Feathers (Renee) and David Feathers (Ayesha) both of Houston, Texas; 19 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
He also is cherished and remembered by his three sisters, Patricia Woods (Eugene), Peggy Lazenby (Charles), and Zena Thibodeaux (Paul), all of Orange, Texas; brother James Nelson of Monroe, Louisiana; and one sister-in-law Pauline Nelson of Houston, Texas; and a special host nieces, nephews, relatives and friends, all of both Orange and Houston, Texas.
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