John Robert Nelson, 73, of McLoud, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on December 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

John was born on December 28, 1951, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to Leon and Lucille Nelson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Lucille Nelson; his sister, Joyce Holekamp; and his beloved daughter, Melissa Hanks.

John is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Carla Nelson of McLoud. John and Carla began dating in 1973 and were married on June 20, 1975, in McLoud, Oklahoma. Together they welcomed their daughter on January 27, 1979, building a life rooted in love, family, and loyalty.

John is survived by his grandchildren; Michael and wife Alyson Hanks of McLoud; Hannah Hanks and fiancé Dylan Lehenbauer of McLoud; Izabelle Hanks of McLoud; Tyler Spillers of Choctaw; and his son-in-law Jimmy Hanks of Eufaula, Oklahoma. Along with his 6 great grandchildren, Avery and Kyree; Rosalee and Ayden; and Kayan and Zedakiyah, who loved him more than words could express.

John is also survived by his nephew Steve Holekamp and his wife Kim of Oklahoma City, their children Wyatt and Austin Holekamp; Neice, Tammy Holekamp of Houston, Texas; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard Holekamp and wife Paula; and all of the bonus grandchildren and great grandchildren that John had adopted in his heart due to all the friends the grandkids have made and their children too, of course.

John was best known as a loving husband, dad, grandpa, and the very best Opa in the world – also affectionally known as "Papa Three Toes."

He was always there when you needed him, and if you know John, you know that if it wasn't the "John Robert way" then it wasn't the right way.

A true jack of all trades, John retired from Tinker Air Force Base in 2013, where he worked as a trailer mechanic. He had a wealth of knowledge and could fix just about anything. John loved having a love for the outdoors and all things hands-on. You could either find him hunting, fishing, working on motorcycles, or working on his tractors. He also enjoyed scuba diving, as he was a scuba diver instructor from 1974 to 1975.

John and Carla spent their days making memories together. If they weren't at home, you knew they were more than likely getting some wind therapy on their bikes and enjoying some sunshine; or even taking their boat out and trying to catch some fish. As long as the two of them were together, that's all that mattered to them. Some of their most treasured moments were simple ones --- such as sitting in the recliner watching the NASCAR races, watching OSU football or simply just sitting out on the porch drinking a cup of coffee and watching the great grands playing outside.

John's legacy is one of hard work, unwavering love for his friends and family, and a life well lived. He will deeply be missed by all that knew and loved him.