Gone West: William Joseph Nelson

Dr. William Joseph “Joe” Nelson passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 27, 2011, at the age of 82. A memorial service was held at First Presbyterian Church of El Paso on Saturday, June 4, at 10 a.m., Dr. Robert Reno officiating.

Joe was a West Texan who was born in Marfa to William Joseph Nelson, Sr. and Chelsea Vinyard Nelson and grew up in Pecos. After graduating from the UT Medical Branch in Galveston he combined his love of medicine and aviation during his military service as a Navy Flight Surgeon, Lt. J.G. He began his medical practice in Yuma, Arizona, then returned to UTMB to specialize. Settling in El Paso in 1967, he began his practice as a neurosurgeon and enjoyed the area’s beautiful flying weather so he could continue his avocation as a pilot.

Dr. Nelson was a past President of the El Paso Medical Society, elder at First Presbyterian Church of El Paso, past Chief of Staff of Sierra Medical Center, former head of neurosurgery at Texas Tech University Medical School in El Paso, and a member of numerous medical and aviation organizations. He was well known in the El Paso aviation community for his lifelong love of flying and his expertise in restoring and flying vintage aircraft. He even became certified as an aviation mechanic after his retirement from medicine. Two of his restoration projects, a Waco and an L5, are on display at the War Eagles Air Museum in Santa Theresa, and last September he and his team completed a Beech Staggerwing. Joe was elected to El Paso’s Aviation Hall of Fame in 1992.

Survivors are his wife of almost 60 years Ellen Kate Cox Nelson, three daughters and their husbands: Mary & Raymond Peters of Bedford, TX; Ellen & Brian Clarke of West Hartford, CT; and Nan & Brian Wagner of Portland, OR; 10 grandchildren: Joe, David & wife Alisa Peters; Brandon, Jena, Lauren, Brianna, and Nelson Clarke; John and Grace Wagner; nieces and nephews Vicki & Rod Pfeifer of El Paso, Mary Amanda Kjellstrom, Rebecca Eadie and William Nelson; brothers-and sisters-in-law George & Beverly Cox and Bill & Ann Cox; and very special family friends Dacia, Katie, and Beth Panich. Joe maintained and cherished many long-term friendships.

Dr. Nelson was a generous philanthropist and supported many organizations. In lieu of flowers, contributions could be made to First Presbyterian Church of El Paso or your favorite charity in his memory.

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