John Marvin Nelson Jr.'s Obituary
John Marvin Nelson, Ph.D., 92, of Tulsa, Oklahoma passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025. He was born to John and Winona Nelson on May 19, 1933 in Richmond, Missouri. John initially attended North Central Bible College, in Minneapolis, and became an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. He also served in the Army National Guard. He married Carol on July 14, 1962. He realized his calling was teaching, and he attended Evangel University where he obtained his degree in Biology Education followed by Southern Illinois University, where he obtained his doctoral degree in Zoology. He joined the faculty at Oral Roberts University in 1972, where he was a professor of biology for 32 years, and served as department chairman as well. He specialized in Lepidoptera, studying butterflies and moths. Over his years, he collected over 35,000 insects which now reside at the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He also authored scientific papers, contributed to a statewide database of distribution of Lepidoptera, and co-authored “Butterflies of Oklahoma, Kansas, and North Texas” which is still used by many butterfly enthusiasts.
Outside of his academic pursuits, he was active in his local church. He loved to sing in the choir, teach Sunday School, and was passionate about missions. Each year, he would read through a different version of the Bible. He traveled to many countries over the years, such as Argentina, Mexico, Burkina Faso, Bangladesh, and Thailand teaching and laboring with local organizations. He was very kind hearted but also known for his dry wit. Even as dementia stole his memories later in life, he continued to recite Bible verses and sing hymns. He never lost his warmth or sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife Carol, daughter Penny Garrison and husband Larry of Bixby, OK, daughter Lynelle Cooper and husband Tim of Tulsa, OK, son Nathan Nelson and wife Leah of Bixby, OK, daughter Lana Nelson and husband Barry Keith of Grand Junction, CO, grandchildren Jessie, Samuel, James, Callie, Anila, and Kai, sisters Nadine and Ramona, brothers James and Stephen. John was preceded in death by his parents, sister Deana, brothers Paul, George, Hubert, and Ronald.
Memorial Service will be held at Carbondale Assembly of God in Tulsa, OK on Tuesday, July 15 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Missions at Carbondale Assembly of God. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
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