Procter Street Baptist Church reports:

On the 22nd of March 1911, Walter was born in Texas to Clarence Pope Nelson and Lula L. Sherman. He is the older brother of Richard Elmer Nelson and half-brother to Lou Delle and (unknown male) Cliffe.

At age (unknown), he married Gladys Bell Gorton of Meridian, Mississippi on (date unknown) in (place unknown). In 1939, Port Arthur City Directory lists Walter and Gladys living at 1020 St. Augustine Avenue in Port Arthur, Texas while Walter worked as a machinist at Port Arthur Marine Engineering Works.

In early 1940, the two had their first child, Richard Odin Nelson, born on the 6th of January. Their second child soon followed, Bettie LuDelle Nelson, who was born on the 28th of May in 1942. A few years later, John Walter Nelson was born on the 8th of June in 1945.

With a family well developed and job opportunities rising, Walter and Gladys moved to 2330 Rosedale Drive, located in Griffing Park of Port Arthur. Soon thereafter, Walter Odin Nelson Jr. was introduced into their lives on the 12th of April, 1951. As of 1952, Walter has become the Co-Owner of Port Arthur Marine Engineering Works and one year later becomes Owner.

Later on in the 1960's, Walter and Gladys send their first child to college and watch as their second marries and has children of her own. John and their youngest, Walter who is also known as Dean, remain at home with Gus, the family dalmation dog.

As we proceed on with the years, Walter has been recognized by the community as a prominent Port Arthuran. He is the President and General Manager of Port Arthur Marine Engineering Works, a member of Procter Street Baptist Church, member of Cosmopolitan Lodge No. 872 AF & AM, El Mina Shrine and becomes Chairman of Naval Advisory Council. Suddenly, tragedy occurs in the Nelson household. Gladys, his beloved wife dies due to heart problems on the evening of July 14th, 1964.

In the year (unknown), Walter has married Mrs. Melba Elaine Ussery. The two remain living at 2330 Rosedale Drive for several years. Walter later retires as president and General Manager of his company as well as Chairman of Naval Advisory Council.

On September 12th of 1972, the Nelson and Ussery family bid their farewell's to Walter Odin Nelson. Aged 61 years, Walter passed away at 2 p.m. in St. Luke's Hospital in Houston, Texas. He was given a Masonic graveside service and buried in Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetary of Groves, Texas next to Gladys Bell, his first wife.