Bill Nelson

William Paul "Bill" Nelson passed away peacefully on October 7, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born on December 16, 1954, to Lloyd Merle and Ethel Ann (Pahl) Nelson in McAlester, Oklahoma. He attended Garber High School and graduated in 1973. Bill continued his education at Oklahoma State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1977. He went on to earn his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1981. Bill dedicated more than 40 years to caring for others as an emergency room physician in the Joplin and Springfield, Missouri, areas.

In 2006, Bill married the love of his life, Suzanne Charron Nelson. Together, they were blessed with two children, Liam and Ella. Family was at the heart of Bill's life, and he took great pride in supporting and encouraging his children. He was active in his community and enjoyed sports of all kinds. One of his greatest joys was coaching Liam and Ella and watching them compete.

Bill was a member of Hope City Church. He had a deep love for the outdoors and treasured the many adventures he shared with family and friends. His life was enriched by countless hiking, backpacking, and bicycling experiences, creating memories that will be cherished by those who knew and loved him.

Bill is survived by his wife, Suzanne; son, Liam; daughter, Ella; brother, Jon (Gayla) of Slidell, Louisiana; sisters-in-law, Patty (Todd) Caperon of Lake Havasu, Arizona, Ginny (Larry) Preuss of Plymouth, Michigan, and Mary Jo (Rob) Gawronski of Chicago, Illinois; brother-in-law, Thomas (Tina) Charron of Milpitas, California; nephew Clark Hughes of Covington, Oklahoma; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd Merle and Ethel Ann (Pahl) Nelson, and his sister, Merla Kay Hughes.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Hope City Church in Joplin, Missouri, on November 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's memory may be made payable to the Garber Athletic Fund and mailed to:

Garber High School
Attn: Garber Athletic Fund
In Memory of Bill Nelson
108 E. Garber Road, Garber, OK 73738.