Elder Kit Willie Nelson

Elder Kit Willie Nelson, age 90, passed away Wednesday September 9, 2026, at Midland Memorial hospital. Elder Kit was born on June 19, 1936, in Midland, Texas, to Willie Shaw and Baby Lee Templeton. Elder Nelson attended Carver High School in Midland, Texas.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserve from May 24, 1956, to May 24, 1958. He was stationed at Fort Bliss and honorably released from Active Duty as Private First Class.

Elder Kit started working at the age of 12 at the Dallas Café as a dishwasher to take care of his mother and siblings. He worked at Jerry Sheet Metal for 15 years. He later retired from Amarillo Sheet Metal Company after 18 years.

He loved to barbecue for his family, friends and his church members.

He was also a member of the CB club where he enjoyed socializing with friends. His CB handle was "Triple One". He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle in the Juneteenth parade. He had a gift for making people laugh, often when they least expected it.

Elder Nelson was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His dedication to the Church and to serving others was a reflection of his deep faith, but his greatest devotion was always to his family. He loved talking to others about God, and saving souls was his mission. Upon his passing he served as High Priest. He cherished the times he was able to spend at the temple.

Elder Kit was married to the love of his life, Ester Mae Nelson. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Ester Nelson of Midland, Texas; his seven children: Eva Collins (Darius) of Odessa, Texas; Kit Nelson (Connie) of Bellville, Ohio; Joyce Nelson of Lubbock, Texas; Rosie Hosendove and Tina Nelson, both of Midland, Texas; Bobby Ray Nelson (Teri) of Vaughn, Montana; and Linda Jenkins-El of Durham, North Carolina.

He is also survived by his sister, Helen Brown, and his aunt, Johnnie Mae Ellis, both of Midland, Texas; 17 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. Elder Nelson also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, along with one special friend, Brenda Perkins and caregiver of 4 years, Johnnie Jennings.

His favorite scripture was: "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15