Howard Lee Nelson a lifelong resident, farmer and rancher of Olney, Oklahoma passed away on March 3, 2024, at the age of 76 years, and 17 days.  He was born on February 15, 1948, to Samuel "Buddy" & Gladys Pierce Nelson at Ada, Oklahoma.

Howard attended elementary school at Clarita and then graduated from Olney with the Class of 1966.  He attended Murray State College and went on to graduate Oklahoma State University in 1970 majoring in Science and Agriculture.

Following college, Howard joined the Army Reserves.  Howard's first job out of college he taught science at Wapanucka schools for five years. He worked for five years as an Insurance Agent with Farm Bureau Insurance, and was on the Board of Directors for Federal Land Bank. He then worked at First National Bank which was later known as Shamrock Bank in Coalgate for 34 years before retiring.  Retirement allowed Howard to focus all of his attention to his passion of farming and ranching full time on his farm.   He married Margaret Hampton on August 29, 1969 at the Clarita Methodist Church and they celebrated 54 years of marriage.  Howard and Margaret had two children, Becky and Randy.

Howard is survived by his wife Margaret, children Becky Nelson Lewis and husband Michael of Anchorage Alaska, Randy Nelson and wife Amy of Olney. Grandchildren Sydney and Carson Lewis of Anchorage, AK, Sammy and Trapp Nelson of Olney, Madeline Whittington and husband Tyler of Kiowa, OK, Auston Crank and wife Abbey of Kiowa, OK; Great Grandson Ridge Crank; Brother Ray Nelson and Wife Beth of Olney and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by parents Samuel & Gladys Nelson.

Howard's hobby's included spending time plowing and baling hay, checking on his cows and talking about the weather.   He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Family night will be held on Friday March 8th at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Brown's Funeral Home in Coalgate.  Funeral Services will be on Saturday March 9th at 2:00 p.m. at the Clarita Methodist Church, followed by burial on the family farm at the Nelson Family Cemetery.  A meal with sharing of stories and memories will be at the Clarita Community Center around 4:30 p.m.

Howard was born and raised on Limestone Hill, living his entire life there.  Howard alongside his wife Margaret of 54 years raised their two children on the hill, which will be his final resting place at the Nelson Family Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Clarita Methodist Church or your favorite Charitable Organization of lieu of flowers.

PALLBEARERS: Loran Nelson, Joe Nelson, Josh Nelson, Milo Nelson, Kyle Denson, Jaxon Patton, Craig Collins, Mike Nelson

HONORARY PALLBEARS: Mike Lewis, Roy Campbell, O.N. Riley, Harvey Pierce, Mike Riley, Phillip Helms, Mike Hale, Dane Brecheen, Tammy Palmer, Larry Krebs, Ronald Dansby, Shamrock Bank Family, Clarita Methodist Church Family, Amish Friends & Community

Condolences may be sent to the family by email to brownsfscoalgate@sbcglobal.net.  Please reference the name of the deceased in your correspondence.