Thomas Lee Nelson, Jr. “Tom” was born on February 13, 1936, in Fredonia, Kansas, to his loving family, Winifred E. (Wilson) Nelson and Thomas L. Nelson, Sr., and his sister, Joanne (Nelson) Swanson, who was born on October 15, 1933.

Tom’s childhood included many moves, and he attended ten different schools before marrying the love of his life, the beautiful Marcia Brooke Nelson, on September 1, 1957. These experiences proved broadening and educational, as he lived in Fredonia, KS; Kansas City, KS; Colma, CA; Independence, MO; and again, in Kansas City, KS.

Tom and Marcia were blessed with three wonderful children: Lee (Nelson) Foster (late Paul Foster), Theodore Brooke Nelson “Ted” (Alisia), and Lynne (Nelson) Hall (Tim).  From these unions came eight very special grandchildren: Ashley Brooke Wilson Carr and her significant other, Alex Todd and his son, Cooper; Bryan Foster; Allyson Foster and her significant other, Paul Benson; Caitlin Grace (Nelson) Agee (Steve); Captain (Dr.) Nicholas Thomas Nelson; Jonah Hall (Lyvia); Jacob Hall (Taylor); and Jesse Hall (Kara).

He was further blessed with great-grandchildren: Clarke and Nora Agee; Elisa and Braden Hall; Ella, Rylee, Maizie Hall; Ila and Owen Hall, with baby Daisy expected in late March.

Tom graduated from Washington High School in 1954. He attended the University of Kansas from 1954–1956 before returning to Kansas City to complete his undergraduate studies at UMKC. He graduated from the UMKC School of Dentistry in the fall of 1962. In the early years, Tom and Marcia worked several jobs to support their growing family — including Tom delivering newspapers for The Kansas City Star. From paperboy to DDS by the spring of 1962, his journey reflected determination and perseverance.

From 1962 to 1964, Tom served as a Captain in the United States Army at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

In December 1964, the young family moved to Springfield, Missouri, where Tom practiced dentistry solo until December 1973.  He closed his solo practice to help found Parkcrest Dental Group, serving as a founding member in the fall of 1974. He also served as President of the Springfield, Missouri Dental Society from 1973–1974. Tom retired in 2004 and thoroughly enjoyed the good life with Marcia, traveling often with friends and family.

One of his greatest joys was being a member of the “52 Club” for more than 50 years alongside Bob Adams, Roger Bright, Jerry Boyer, Fletcher Gray, Stan Hall, Charlie Mahaffey, and Dick Myers.

Tom loved his wife. He loved his life. He loved playing golf with Ted and Paul at Hidden Valley and playing at Hickory Hills Country Club — although he often joked that he never quite got the hang of the game.

He was known and loved by many as Tommy, Dad, Papa, and Dr. Nelson, and will be deeply missed by so many. He had countless dear friends and truly never met a stranger. He carried a jovial and loving spirit, a quick wit, and always seemed to have a song in his heart and on his lips. He openly and lavishly loved his bride, his family, his friends, and his life.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 2026, at King’s Way United Methodist Church, 2401 S. Lone Pine, Springfield, Missouri.

Care has been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home East.