Howard “Bubba” Nelson, Jr., 63, of China Spring, passed away Thursday, January 18, 2018 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Visitation: Monday, January 22 from 6-8 PM at Lake Shore Funeral Home 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco.
Funeral Service: 10AM Tuesday, January 23 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Mike Copeland officiating. Burial will follow at China Spring Cemetery.
Bubba was born July 28, 1954 to Howard and Margie (Robinson) Nelson in Waco. He graduated from China Spring High School in 1973. He was a loyal and dedicated employee with TxDOT for 38 years upon his retirement in 2014. He was a member of China Spring Baptist Church. Bubba is the third generation to operate and manage the Snider Family Ranch.
On September 8, 2012, he married his soul mate, best friend, and the love of his life, Cecile Shook Rowell. In this union he gained a son and daughter and two precious grandchildren who loved their Paw-Paw dearly.
Bubba was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Darlene Ewing and Debbie Nelson.
Survivors include his wife of 5 years, Cecil Shook Nelson; son, Dr. Josh Rowell and wife Jordan; grandson, Jase Rowell; granddaughter, Jessa Rowell; aunts, Polly Smith, Jeanie Pack, Wanda Willis, and Miriam Nelson; nephews, Kevin Ewing and family and Craig Ewing and family; his loving Shook family; Susie Norris, Patsy Langford, Homer Ladd, Dr. Craig Gill, numerous cousins, and many friends.
Pallbearers will be Jessie Henry, Jerry Buro, Neal Snider, David Nelson, Howard Priester, Floyd Shook, David Shook, and Greg Wade. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Craig Gill, Rick Shook, Homer Ladd, Steve Behringer, Dale Norris, Kevin Ewing, Herbert Campbell, Jr. Rieger, Danny Floyd, Frank Valero, and Coy Jones.
The family would like to thank the Snider Family for their love and support, Dr. Delue, Dr. Dollar and Michelle, Dr. Wong, Dr. Bower, Dr. Craig Gill, and the Interim Hospice team, Jordan, Dee, and Kim; and a heartfelt thank you to Susie Norris, Martha Downes, Homer Ladd, Jerry Buro, and Terry Willhite.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First Baptist Church of China Spring or China Spring Volunteer Fire Department.
Contact Information:
Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
Bubba was my friend. He showed me his kind heart. He was a man who knew compassion, loyalty, and the importance of enjoying and supporting your friends. My best memories of him is just having fun whenever I was around him, laughing and feeling his sweet, warm love. I miss him now and always will. I was blessed to have him as my friend.
I’m lost for words right now
I thought of Bubba as a honest friendly man and I will miss his jokes and friendship RIP Bubba
Rest High On The Mountain Bubba, you will be missed by many.
To the Nelson family. Please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss, 63 years old is way to young to pass, When I lost my Dad 11 years ago at the age of 74 and thought that was to young. Although I didn’t know Bubba personally, I can see how much he has contributed to his family’s happiness. I know how extremely painful it is to loose someone close to us, but the comfort that I received from God’s word was so helpful, because it gave me a hope. Jesus’ words at John 5:28+29 and Isaiah 25:8 were so comforting to me. Please read them yourself to see why .
Bubba has always been a true friend. There has been, in my life, no one as honest and as sincere to me as Bubba. He had a tremendously hard battle but he was strong to the end. Angels are singing and have welcomed him home to be with God and the rest of his family that have gone before him. As I visited with Bubba a while back, I witnessed a strong, loving and caring family at his side. It was truly a blessing to visit with my Brother in Christ. Cecil, you are an angel that God sent into Bubba’s life. The love that you both have for each other is one of the strongest I have witnessed between two people. Prayers are being lifted for the family and many friends that Bubba has touched with his sweet spirit over the years. Bubba Nelson was a great man and it was my pleasure to be able to call him My Friend.
To The Family,
I am very saddened to hear about Bubba. He will be missed……he had many friends! I would see Bubba at different places, but most of the time at the China Spring Post Office, and he was very friendly and we would always talk for awhile. Bubba was a great guy and good friend! My thoughts and prayers will be with the Family during this difficult time. With Deepest Sympathy.
Some of the best years of my life were spent at China Spring working and fishing on the Snider Ranch with “Bubba Wayne”. We were just kids that drove Howard and Margie crazy! Words can’t describe those years and those friends. RIP Bubba Wayne
Love and prayers for Cecil and family!
I would like to send my condolences to the family of Howard (Bubba) Nelson. The Dameron family of China Spring were very close to Bubba and his family. He will be greatly missed. From church, school and friendship we were very close. May God Bless his Family! Lots of Love Kay (Dameron) Hammons in Loving Memory
I met Bubba for the first time when my husband Ray was in the hospital. He was so kind and nice and I knew he really cared. Miss Cecil you are in my heart and prayers and for everyone that will miss this kind man.
I wish to send my condolences to Bubba’s family on behalf of myself and the crew of the Waco TxDOT Traffic Signal Shop. While I was not very close to Bubba, I knew that he was a kind man. I’m certain that he will be missed by the many people he knew and worked with for 38 years. Rest in peace brother.
I’m so sorry Cecil. You are one of the sweetest people that I know. Love, hugs and prayers for you and family.