Ralph Leon Nelon

Ralph Leon Nelon was born in Fort Worth, Texas on May 27, 1933 to Robert Earl Nelon and Louise Marie Caraway. He left his earthly home, surrounded by his family with love and peace, on October 8, 2017 in Burleson, Texas. Ralph joined the Navy just after high school in 1952. He served during the Korean War and was stationed in Okinawa Japan. He received honorable discharge from the Navy in 1956. Once out of the Navy, he worked at a dairy farm in Modesto, California for a short time. He moved home and met the love of his life, Janice Marie Axline. All it took was one look at her in her shorts and her big boobs and he knew she was the one. They married on December 6, 1957. Ralph and Janice had 4 children, Pamela, Teri, Candace, and Erik. He loved his family and worked every day to give them the life he didn’t have. Shortly after getting married he started working with Mr. Hinkley at the paint and body shop on Lancaster. After many years of working with Mr. Hinkley, he was able to buy the shop when Mr. Hinkley retired. Ralph was still at the paint and body shop until it closed in September. He loved his job and he loved going to work every day. He also enjoyed going to breakfast every day with his buddies. Ralph loved the Lord and was a great example of what it meant to walk with the Lord on a daily basis to everyone. He attended Grace Temple Church from 1957 until the time of his death. He served on the Board of Directors for many, many years. Pastor Harold Nichols was not only his pastor, but was also his friend. Once Pastor Nichols retired, he remained and served the church he loved. He was a member of the church choir where he sang bass. Ralph enjoyed raising horses, cattle and chickens. Some of his other favorite pastimes included fishing, gardening, watching sports, and spending time with his loved ones. He was loved deeply and will be missed greatly by all of us who had the honor of knowing Ralph Leon Nelon. Ralph is survived by: daughter - Pamela Nelon of Fort Worth, daughter – Teri Monk of Burleson and husband Dave, daughter – Candace Anderson of Burleson and husband Tad, and son – Erik Nelon of Fort Worth and wife Angela. His 8 grandchildren – Jessica Anderson of Burleson, Zachary Anderson and wife Cori of Burleson, Cameron Anderson and wife Ariel of Tyler, Briley Monk of San Antonio, Micah Monk of Burleson, Chandler Nelon and wife Brittany of Amarillo, Courtney Nelon of Fort Worth, and Mason Nelon of Fort Worth. He was also blessed to have 7 great grandchildren – Stetson, Presley, and Chaston Fincher of Burleson, Waylon and Memphis Anderson of Burleson, Benton Nelon of Amarillo, and Harper Hubbard of Fort Worth. Ralph is also survived by his brothers and sisters, many nieces and nephews, and many people who loved him. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years Janice Marie Nelon and his parents, Robert Earl and Louise Nelon. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to The Wounded Warrior Project in Ralph’s honor.