David C. Nelson, Ph.D
September 14, 1943 ~ August 12, 2018
David C. Nelson, Ph.D., a resident of New Braunfels, passed away Sunday, August 12, 2018 at the age of 74. Dr. Nelson was born on September 14, 1943 in Kankakee, IL to the late Clyde Nelson and Helen Scott Nelson. After graduating from Purdue University, he worked as a reporter and editor for base newspapers while serving in the United States Air Force. After this, Dr. Nelson went back to Purdue earning Masters and Doctoral degrees, while also serving as a faculty member and News Staff Director of the Purdue Exponent. In 1988 he moved to Texas State University, serving as a professor of mass communication, as well as Associate Dean of University College for 25 years. Upon a quite short-lived retirement, he returned to Texas State as a professor emeritus. His passion for education and classical music, wisdom, and humor will be sorely missed. Survivors include his loving wife of 45 years, Lucretia “Lubee” Nelson; son, Matt Nelson and Dr. Nelson’s sister, Laurie Graves. A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 PM on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at the Lux Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the American Cancer Society.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Dave was a trusted mentor and friend who had the right balance of seriousness and humor to be a journalism teacher and adviser. He could ask the tough question that nobody else might ask. Dave and I ate breakfast and lunch together many times in the Purdue Memorial Union. Knowing my father wanted me to take over his business when he retired and I wanted a low-paying job in journalism, he said, “You want my advice? Take the business.” But he knew I wouldn’t. One of our favorite memories was Dave’s decision to change the headline on my column before Tennessee at 7-4 earned a spot in the Bluebonnet Bowl opposite a 9-2 Purdue team. Dave changed it to “Tennessee in OUR bowl? How did THAT happen” and it became bulletin board material in the Tennessee locker room and made the front page of the Lafayette Journal & Courier. He loved journalism, he loved Purdue and he loved his family. In that sense, we were exactly alike. One great guy who could have been Santa Claus for a lot of people if he’d just dyed his beard. Our condolences on a great loss.
David was a big part of my positive experience at the Purdue Exponent. He taught us all well. My sympathies to his family and friends. I know the world’s grammar is a lot better due to his devotion to teaching.
Another Purdue Exponent alum’s memories: I remember the daily critiques and the way we’d all gather around the bulletin board to see what Dave had written in red ink. Dave was most often behind his desk on the far side of B-50, leaning way back in his chair, his cowboy boot-clad feet up on his desk, chatting and laughing that distinctly Dave Nelson laugh. He tried to instill some pretty big concepts and principles in we student journalists – most of us studying things other than journalism: ethics, investigative reporting, ethics, and the power and responsibility of the press. Another larger-than-life – literally and figuratively – character that contributed to the Exponent culture and the learning and life experience it was. And, through every conversation he brought up his family and the hours with us that took him away from you. Sympathies to you.
I remember him fondly as a news advisor & mentor for our staff at the college newspaper
Dear Nelson Family, I spent 10 terrific summers facilitating the Academics at Texas State presentation of Family Orientation with Dr. Nelson. He ALWAYS shared his own experience of leaving Matt at college while Mrs. Nelson started her own school year at home. It was my pleasure to spend that time with him. I know that no time or circumstance quite prepares you for the loss of your loved one, but I hope that you’ll be comforted in the coming days and weeks that Dr. Nelson was deeply cared for by the Texas State community. I have a picture of the two of us on the wall of my office now. And I will continue to look at it and smile as I remember our time together. With deepest sympathy, Lindley
Dr. Nelson was a colleague and friend to me at Texas State University. He was kind and deeply devoted to education. He helped me through a difficult time during my tenure. He was a consummate professor and had the gift of giving,
Dave Nelson was a friend and colleague, who brought unique skills and a wry sense of humor to our quarter century association. I knew him as an administrator, a faculty colleague, an editor, a lover of music, and a curious and critical faculty member. Both students and colleagues found him an advocate for opportunity and excellence. I will miss him. Ron Brown, Professor of History, Texas State University
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mrs. Nelson and Matt.
The Hammons
Prayers for Lubee and Matt
I will always remember the kindness, humor, and genuine interest in my life that Dr. Nelson always showed me when I visited his home, saw him on campus at Texas State, or ran into him on his walks around Gruene. Thank you for raising an outstanding man in my friend Matt, who has been an indispensable and important part of my life for twenty years.
Mrs. Nelson and Matt, my thoughts are with you.
Dave Nelson was a friend, mentor, and one of the main reasons I learned to teach journalism at Purdue University. He was my office mate for many years in the 1990s. His coaching and support helped me teach well. It was an honor to be Dave’s colleague. Lubbee and Matt, my deepest sympathy. Kathy Rowan