Dr. Victor Eugene Nelson

Dr. Victor Eugene “Gene” Nelson, 86, of Baldwin City, KS passed away Saturday December 9, 2022 at Baldwin Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Baldwin City, KS.

He was born January 8, 1936 in Holyoke, CO, the son of Victor Elof Nelson and Jessie (Dyer) Nelson.  Gene grew up in the Wheat Ridge, CO community graduating from Wheat Ridge High School with the class of 1954.  He then attended and graduated from Augustana College, Rock Island, IL for his Bachelor of Science degree.  Gene then obtained his Master’s Degree and his P.H. D. in Biomedical Science from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Gene moved to Lawrence, KS in 1964 utilizing a research grant from NASA to study Entomology.  During that period he was informed he would need to take on the freshman Entomology class.  From 1964 to 1969 Gene was a professor at the University of Kansas.  In 1970 he began working at Baker University; Baldwin City, KS in the Biology Department and in 1971 became the Chairman of the Department, holding this position until his retirement in 1998.

On July 19, 1958 Gene was united in marriage to Phyllis Linea Johnson at Rock Island, IL.  They shared over sixty-four years of loving marriage.

Gene was an active member of the Baldwin City and the Baker University community over the years.  He was a fixture in the science building was always accessible and eager to help young minds grow.  Many Baker graduates recall Dr. Nelson as one of their most beloved teachers.  He also served the community as a member of the Baldwin City Council for many years and later on the Orchard Lane Board.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Nelson, Baldwin City; two sons, Jon Nelson and his wife, Dona, Lawrence, KS, Don Nelson and his wife, Rochelle, Carbondale, KS; eight grandchildren, Amy, Cody, Gabriel, Helen, Isaac, Lynnea, Victor Glen, Victor Robert; three step grandchildren, Gary, Nicole and LeighAnn; and eleven great grandchildren.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Victor Elof Nelson and Jessie Nelson; son, Victor Nelson; and brother, Clifford Nelson. 

Funeral Services will be held 1:00 p.m., Friday, December 16, 2022, at First United Methodist Church, Baldwin City.  Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Baldwin City.   The family will receive friends from 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m at the Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, Baldwin City.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Baker University Scholarship Fund, c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 64, Baldwin City, Kansas  66006.  Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com. 

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