James "Zeb" Eli Nelson Sr.

James Eli Nelson Sr., age 85, a Lane, OK resident was born on Saturday, November 30, 1940, to Theodore and Carrie Dona (Tekubbi) Nelson, at Talihina, OK and passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at Colbert, OK.

James went to Lane school in his early years before starting work and joining the US Army. He was a stone mason all of his life. He also performed work in concrete and carpentry as well as being a lifelong handyman and mechanic.

James was a musician, often found playing the guitar, banjo, harmonica, and fiddle. He like fishing and was a self-proclaimed dog whisperer. He loved animals and cherished his many grandchildren and later his great, great grandchildren. He liked spending time at the casino and could frequently be spotted drinking his "sodie water" (Dr. Pepper and Coke)

James is survived by son William "Snake Nelson of Lane, OK; daughters Jackie Lyles and Leroy Mitchell of Lane, OK, Lucy Johnson and Woodrow of Lane, OK, Carla Hayes and Robert of Fittstown, OK Shelley Cromer of Durant, OK; granddaughters Christina Goodson and Jonathan of Lane, OK, Angela Lyles of Durant, OK, Rachel Lyles of Durant, OK Ashley Hayes of Fittstown, OK, Allison Cromer of Durant, OK, and Kyra Manuelito of Indian Wells, AZ; grandsons Eli Lyles of Lane OK, Brett Hayes of Fittstown, OK, Andrew Cromer and Caitlyn of Durant, OK, Dustin Hayes of Fittstown , OK, Levi Hayes of Fittstown, OK, Matthew Marlow of Durant, OK, Dylan Manuelito of Indian Wells AZ; brother Huck Nelson and Jody of Durant, OK; sister "Shady" Nelson of Lane, OK; numerous neices, nephews and many loved and dear friends.

James is preceded in death by parents Theodore and Carrie Dona (Tekubbi) Nelson; son James Nelson Jr.; daughter Jennifer Manuelito; brothers Nathan Nelson, Calvin Nelson Sr, Arnold W. Nelson and Marvin Harvick; sisters Neomi Moore and Donna Carney; and grandson Wayne Bailey

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DATE OF SERVICES: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM Monday, October 5th, 2026

PLACE OF SERVICES: Brown's Funeral Chapel, Atoka, Oklahoma

OFFICIATING: Brother Nathan Scott

INTERMENT: Butler Cemetery, Lane, Oklahoma

CASKETBEARERS: T.R. "Huck" Nelson Jr., Brett Hayes, Dustin Hayes, Levi Hayes, Andrew Cromer, Eli Lyles

HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Leroy Mitchell, Blaine Nelson, Trevan Nelson, Jacob Nelson, Clay Simpson

CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: BROWNS@ATOKA.NET. PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE

FAMILY NIGHT: 03:00PM-05:PM Sunday, October 4th, 2026

SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF

BROWN’S FUNERAL SERVICE - ATOKA, OK