Pastor Gordon W. Nelson

Pastor Gordon W. Nelson, 79, of Ocala, died Wednesday (8/7) at the Hospice Tuscany House in Ocala. He was born in Rockford, Illinois to the late Harold and Alice (Johnson) Nelson.

Pastor Gordon graduated Cum Laude from Lincoln Christian College, Lincoln, Illinois.  He served over sixty years in the ministry, including thirty years in Africa and thirty years in the United States. He was a member of Rotary International in four countries and also served as Past President. During his ministry on the mission field in Africa, he helped start many churches. In the United States he ministered to churches in Calhoun, IL, Nevins, IL,  Lincoln Park Church in Rockford, IL and Janesville, WI. He also started two new churches in Marion County, Southwest Christian Church and Belleview Christian Church, as well as pastoring the North Citrus Christian Church in Citrus Springs for the past seven years.  As Founder of the Cape Bible Seminary, Pastor Nelson taught countless lessons to the nationals.  He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed sports of all kinds, as well as travel, particularly cruises.

Surviving family includes his beloved wife of sixty years Estelle; children and their spouses, Gregg and Donna Nelson, Marsha and Rick Enos, James and Caroline Nelson, Liza and Chad Schaefer; nine grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

A Memorial Funeral Service, celebrating his life and ministry, will be conducted at the North Citrus Christian Church, 6442 North Elkcam Boulevard, Citrus Springs, on Saturday (8/10) 1:30 PM with Pastor David Pardue of the Church in the Wildwood officiating.

The Family prefers if you wish, in lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be made to the North Citrus Christian Church Building Fund, 6442 North Elkcam Boulevard, Citrus Springs, FL 34433 or to Hospice of Marion County, P.O. Box 4860, Ocala, FL  34478.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Roberts Funeral Home of Dunnellon, 19939 East Pennsylvania Avenue, Dunnellon (352-489-2429).