Howard Steven Nelson was born in Riverhead, New York, on September 5, 1954 to Arthur and Barbara Nelson. Howard’s father worked as a dairy farmer and a dairy farm inspector; Barbara was a homemaker. The family moved several times during his childhood, and Howard learned to make friends quickly. He attended high school at Cheshire High School through his junior year and joined the Navy in 1972 where he served until 1976, earning valuable skills as well as his GED.
After leaving the Navy, Howard moved to Florida and worked many different jobs, including taxi driver, tow truck operator, and a mechanic for Volkswagen. He and his late wife ran a mobile grooming business for over 20 years. While living in Florida, Howard enjoyed all kinds of fishing and often missed his time near the water.
Howard moved to Georgia after his late wife passed away and lived in Augusta near his brother Kenneth and his wife Linda. He was living in Augusta when he met his wife, Carolyn. They were married in Statesboro Eastern Heights Baptist Church on March 25, 2012. The couple moved to Park to care for Sylvia Thomas, Carolyn’s mother. Sylvia lived with them for several years, and the two of them built a deep, loving bond. One of Howard’s proudest moments was beating Sylvia at a game of Yahtzee! They also shared a love of gardening and sewing. Carolyn and Howard created numerous quilts and wall hangings together with advice from Sylvia.
While living in Kansas, Howard drove a truck for Westwind Wood Products out of Quinter and also ran a mobile mechanic business called “Mr. Fixit.” There was rarely anything Howard could not fix, and he lived up to the name “Mr. Fixit” again and again, both with local farmers and with various household ‘fixes.’ He always credited God for giving him the special ability to mechanic and thanked Him for his successes. Howard also loved to drive, literally anything with a motor, whether that was a motorcycle, a trike, a car, pickup, the NexTech train, a semi, boat, or tractor. It did not matter as long as he could be behind the wheel. He started driving at age 5 and was very proud of his CDL class A license which he kept up to date.
Although he did not have children of his own, Howard loved children and really, people of all ages. While he was able, he attended many Wheatland High School Thunderhawk volleyball, football, and basketball games. He also enjoyed the Art Preview, the music programs, and he helped build the stage for the WHS school play. While living at the Long Term Care, Howard was a special favorite with the ‘grandfriends,’ teaching them chess and playing other games.
Most importantly, Howard loved the Lord and was eager to follow God’s will as he could understand it. He was baptized at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, and grew in his faith for the rest of his life, attending church services when he could and watched on Facebook when he could no longer travel.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Barbara and his older brothers Arthur Jr., (June), David, and Kenneth (Linda). He is survived by his wife Carolyn, older sister Barbara Martinez (Ralph), younger sister Tina Brown (Keith), and a number of nieces, nephews, and friends. His kind, generous heart will be missed by many.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 1:30 PM at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home in Hoxie, Kansas. Visitation will take place at the funeral home earlier that day from 11:00 AM until the time of service, with family present to greet friends from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM Inurnment will follow at the Hoxie City Cemetery. After the inurnment, refreshments will be served to family and friends at the Scout House in Hoxie. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Howard S. Nelson Memorial Fund to assist with funeral expenses. Memorials may be sent in care of: Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740.