Roll Call Tribute

Thomas Kenneth "Tom" Nelson 

September 13, 1941 - February 5, 2025 

Thomas "Tom" Kenneth Nelson, born in Willmar, MN on September 13, 1941, passed away in College Station, TX on February 5, 2025. He grew up in Warroad, MN. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in Bryan, TX. He was a proud member of the Texas A&M University Class of 1963 where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. During his time at A&M, Tom served as I-3 Company Commander, Squadron Leader, a Ross Volunteer, and Aggie Yell Leader 1962-63. He served six years in the United States Marine Corps Reserves.

Tom worked as a reporter for the Brazosport Facts and as a reporter and city editor for the Houston Post before becoming Assistant Managing Editor for News.

After a move to Colorado, Tom started a real estate business and shared interest in a cattle operation and a restaurant.

Homesick for Texas, Tom returned to his beloved Aggieland where he worked as an associate professor of journalism at Texas A&M before retiring in 2014.

An avid fisherman, a voracious reader, and a master gardener, Tom's interests were many and varied. He loved cruises, traveling, theater, and Aggie baseball.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Catherine Mossberg Nelson, and his sister Mary Kay Thomas.

Tom is survived by his wife of 39 years, Linda, of College Station, son Michael of Iwakuni, Japan, grandson Thomas (Allison) of Oceanside, California, and great granddaughter Ofelia.

Tom's remains will be interred at the Aggie Field of Honor at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P. O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486, or MDAnderson.org/gifts.