The family of Carl Reid Nelson, 91, sadly announces the passing of a beloved man of God. “Brother Carl”, as he was affectionately called, served the Lord in Baptist churches in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Missouri, and Colorado. His Mississippi roots were obvious to all who heard him preach. For 65 years, he and his wife, Martha, partnered in ministry. They especially loved leading conferences nation-wide for church staff and deacons and their wives, based on their books “The Ministering Couple” and “This Call We Share”. Brother Carl loved the Bible and spent his life sharing that love with others. His non-judgmental acceptance of everyone he met created bonds that have lasted for a lifetime. In his later years, Brother Carl developed a “mental rolodex” of jokes and spent hours on theological treatises which were shared with anyone who would listen. He endeared himself to everyone he met. One of his proudest creations was the “Kindness Card” that said “Thank you for being so kind to the old person you will become some day”. He zealously handed these cards to anyone who held a door for him or showed kindness, leaving most in awe and tears. He will be greatly missed but his legacy will go on for generations. Brother Carl was preceded in death by his daughter, Nancy Liner of Moore, and brothers Howard Nelson and Elbert Nelson. He is survived by his bride, Martha Rushing Nelson; two daughters, Pat James of Oklahoma City and Becky Boyd-Wood of Norman; Gary James, James Wood, and Jim Liner, sons-in-law, seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; Betsy Craft, Eleanor Mae Zeigel, sisters; Ann Nelson and Kay Nelson, sisters-in-law; and a host of those who loved him as they did their own father. Interment will be at Resthaven Cemetery with a public memorial service held Saturday, July 30th at 11:30 am at Spring Creek Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. A meal will follow the service for all who wish to continue the celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nancy Liner Memorial Scholarship Fund at Moore Norman Technology Center, 4701 12th Ave. NW, Norman, OK 73069.

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