Jay Calvin Nelson, D.D.S.

Jay Calvin Nelson was born to Nev and Jean Nelson in Amarillo, Texas but was educated in Oxford (Kansas, not England). He regales stories of his best football plays and his winning basketball shot from half court. As a Boy Scout he earned his God and Country Award and at graduation received the American Legion Award. Hours of plowing in the hot sun on the family farm motivated him to a different career. Jay applied to dental school at the University of Missouri at Kansas City when he was a senior in high school. After two years at the University of Kansas where he was the top pledge at Sigma Alpha Epsilon, he was one of only six admitted to dental school after two years of college. He met and later married Susie, a dental hygiene student. Jay practiced in Wellington, Kansas from 1964-1966. He served two years as a Captain in the Army, then settled in Oklahoma City where he practiced with his father-in-law Dr. L. A. Lucas and raised their four children. Jay loved Dentistry and his patients. He was Past President of the Oklahoma County Dental Assoc. and an Endodontic instructor at the Dental School. Jay's cleverness was manifested in the 12 Days of Christmas Treasure Hunt for the children and invited guests. Memories were made via Morse Code, videos, installation of secret phone lines, mental challenges and surprise presents each day (Ex.: .5 and .5, where would you go? The half & half in the refrigerator!). His cronies in the Wilshire Running Club inspired him to run 21 marathons all over the USA. His best was 3:06 in Dallas. He was instrumental in starting the Redbud Classic and was Finish Line Director for many years. In his spare time, he was a volunteer basketball coach at Christ the King School. He was a faithful member of Christ the King Catholic Church and served as a Eucharistic Minister. Jay will be known for his brilliant mind, sharp wit and kind heart. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Susie, children Kevin (Hollye), Stacy Ferraro (Peter), Cyle (Laura) and Ryan (Mindy), grandchildren Margaret, Cal and Charlie Nelson, Brock and Suzanne Ferraro and his sister Kay Wessel (Bob). Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 25 at Christ the King Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christ the King School Endowment Fund.