We are saddened to announce the passing of Earl Lee Nelson Jr., better known as Junior, born on March 18, 1970, who departed from this life on April 8, 2025. Earl was known for his honesty, kindness, and hard work, often described as goofy and funny by those who knew him. His preferred taste in food included Soul Food, Seafood, Pork Chops, Burgers, BBQ, and Steak, whilst his favorite drinks were Water, Gatorade, and Kool-aid. Earl was an avid reader, his favorite book being ‘Dream A World A New’. His musical preferences were as varied as Bob Marley, Yellowman, Otis Redding, Michael Jackson, and The Temptations to name a few.
Earl’s favorite TV Shows included Dave Chappelle, Katt Willams, Bernie Mac, and The Boondocks while his favorite movies were Remember the Titans, Big Momma’s House, and The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings, as well as many others. He admired the artwork of Pablo Picasso and was a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and Oklahoma City Thunder sports teams.
Some of Earl’s favorite activities were playing games like Phase 10, Dominoes, and Life, and enjoying playing many video games with loved ones. He also enjoyed outdoor activities such as fishing, barbecuing, and hanging out with friends and family. Earl believed in staying fit and often resorted to lifting weights and jogging as part of his exercise regimen. He was an incredible standout football player for Shawnee Mission South, and he was even offered a scholarship to play college football at Arizona State University.
His preferred vacation spots were Kansas City and parts of Kingfisher. Locally, he loved visiting Kingfisher Park, Bally’s Casino, and Stroud’s Chicken.
Earl was very philanthropic and actively involved in causes that prioritized the welfare of others. He loved the color Blue/Red and often shared the wisdom of being honest with others, doing the right thing, and helping those in need.
Some of Earl’s greatest accomplishments included graduating from Shawnee Mission South High School, traveling around the U.S. and parts of the world, having his only child, and being a valued worker, opening the Shawnee, Kansas Hyvee Grocery Store and Merriam, Kansas Chili’s. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and generosity.
Earl touched many lives and will be greatly missed by all those who had the privilege to know him.
Earl is survived by his son Blaze Nelson, his nephew Phillip Nelson, his nieces Stephanie Nelson and Destiny Estill, and his sister Kiara Estill as well as many cousins in Kingfisher and around the US.
He was preceded in passing by his brother, Steve Nelson, his mother, Wanda Nelson, and his father, Earl Nelson Sr.
Funeral services for Earl will be held on April 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Sanders Funeral Service Chapel with burial following at Kingfisher Cemetery.
