in memoriam

expanded eulogies

“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.

Lee Nelson

Lee E. Nelson, 90, Emporia, Kansas, passed away Friday, Nov. 17, 2017, at Emporia Presbyterian Manor.

Lee Edward Nelson was born Feb. 5, 1927, at Newton, Kansas, the son of Ora Lee and Roxy Bernice (Davis) Nelson. He graduated Ceder Point (Kansas) High School and received bachelor and master degrees in agricultural economics from Kansas State University. Lee and Marjorie A. Jacobs were united in marriage at Peabody, Kansas, on Sept. 27, 1953. She survives.

Other surviving family members include: daughters Ann Bruner and husband, Kenneth, of Emporia, Kansas, and Kay Faddis and husband, Mitch, of St. Louis, Missouri; sons Jim Nelson and wife, Jennifer, of Durango, Colorado, and Thomas Nelson and wife, Jennifer, of Lawrence, Kansas; grandchildren William Bruner, Elizabeth Benton, Rachel Lewis, Kristen Faddis, Ashley Nelson, and Ian, Tori, Chris and Lee Nelson; and great-grandchildren Jackson and Brooklyn Benton.

His parents died earlier.

He and his wife founded Bluestem Farm and Ranch in Emporia in 1961, starting with a store on Commercial St., soon after moving to Merchant St., then moving to the current location in West Emporia. Lee was a veteran of the United States Army. He was a strong supporter of the county extension and 4-H programs. He was an early member of the Wheatbelt Buying Group, and was active in supporting other local events and organizations.

He was a member of Flint Hills Christian Church, Emporia.

The family received friends Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home. Private family services will be held at a later time.

Memorials have been established with Lyon County 4-H Council or a fund of the donor’s choice. Contributions may be sent to the funeral home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia KS 66801.

Condolences may be sent to the family online through the funeral home website, www.robertsblue.com.