Neither parent attended high school but strongly encouraged their sons to seek higher education. John graduated from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and went on to receive a PhD in nuclear physics from the University of Texas at Austin and remained a proud Longhorn till his death.

He worked for decades at Texas Nuclear where he was President of the company for many years, owned his own company called MENCO working with his childhood friend Karl Dlugos, and ultimately helped found the Taylor Economic Development Corporation (TEDC). In 2025, the TEDC dedicated their board room to John for his service and leadership.

He was a longstanding member of the Taylor Rotary Club and embraced and lived by the motto of “Service Above Self.” He served on many boards including John’s Community Hospital board and facilitated its transition to the Baylor Scott and White Hospital.

While serving as the Executive Director of the TEDC, he was the lead on many community projects. He set the trajectory that has led to changes in Taylor that will continue to impact it today and in the future.

He was a member of the Temple College at Taylor (TCAT) Board for 31 years and was instrumental in bringing Temple College to Taylor. His work on the TCAT board helped lead to the commitment by The University of Texas in 2024 to establishing a UT campus in Taylor by the year 2029.

He was proudest of that accomplishment because he understood that it will change lives for generations to come. Even after retiring, John worked tirelessly for the community he loved Taylor, Texas.

John was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church for more than 50 years during which time he served in many capacities of support including the recent capital campaign to remodel the beautiful old church. He was also a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus (40-plus years) and participated in their activities.

He served on the St. Mary’s Catholic School Board of Directors for several years, keeping with his passionate support of education.

With his first wife Mary Elizabeth “ME” Ann Anderson Nelson, John had three daughters who survived him. Elizabeth “Beth” Ann, Ellen Marie and Evelyn Gail. ME died in 2002 after 45 years of marriage.

John married his soul mate, Rosemary Bonura Hauser-Nelson, on Nov. 24, 2007. They spent 18-plus years loving and supporting each other through sickness and health.

They loved Italy and took two month-long trips there. They also spent every January on the coast for 10-plus years where John spent many hours fishing.

John, a devoted Catholic, died on Feb. 24, 2026. While heaven is enriched with his passing, John leaves a loving family and large groups of friends behind.

He is survived by his daughters Beth Nelson and her husband Austin Cooney and their children John (greatgrandchildren J.P. and Patrick), Aoibhistin (great-grandchildren Zuri, Maeve, Gavin, Fergus) Grace (greatgrandchild Niamh) and Jace, Ellen and her children Meredith and Anderson, and Evelyn, her husband Clayton Rhoades and Evelyn’s children Mary Elizabeth, Caroline, Edythe and Ruth.

John’s life was also enriched by Rosemary’s children -- L.J. and his sons Jacob and Jackson, Deborah, her husband Dudley and their son Joshua, and David and his daughter Valentina.

John has been the senior patriarch of the Jonietz family for years. He is preceded in death by his younger brother Thomas Allen Nelson and his parents.

He is leaving behind a large cohort of extended family and friends, many of whom were fellow fishermen in the “Yellow Catters,” or teammates on the “Older Man’s Softball League,” or people who enjoyed a great meal at 1510.

John was a person who knew himself, liked himself and loved those around him. He will be missed.

In Lieu of flowers please make your donation to St. Mary’s Catholic School by using the link below. https://stmarystaylor. org/online-giving or mail your donation to St. Mary’s Catholic School, 520 Washburn St., Taylor, Texas 76574.