Roger Leander Nelson was born on June 20, 1933 to the late to William Leander and Gertrude Frost Nelson in Shabbona, Illinois. He was raised with older sister Evelyn Nelson Lauerman who also preceded him in death; as well as a younger brother, William Nelson who lives in Racine, Wisonsin. Roger grew up in Shabbona, Ferguson, Mo and Plainfield, and New Jersey before heading out to California, Denver, The Philippines, and finally Texas to fulfill his successful life in the oil business working as an Executive early on and later as a Landman for various companies. Education - BA (Economics) California State University at Long Beach (1971) JD University if Laverne School of Law (1981) Roger Loved to learn everything- his interest ranged from ingredients for a quiche to the inner making and running of RV's, with everything else in between. His greatest passion was reading, there again everything from poetry to westerns to detectives. Roger is survived by wife Judy K. Nelson; daughter, Ellen Mitsler; granddaughter, Emma Martinez; step-daughter, Heather Horne (Chris); step-son, Aaron Schwalb (Amanda) ; step-son, Matthew Schwalb; step-daughter, Sarah Thomas (Stephen) and step-grandsons, Alex Price, Tyler Gottwald and Calvin Thomas. Brother William Nelson and his wife, Susan and children. Also many good friends, and his big yorkie, Oliver!! A memorial mass to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, October 5, 2018 at All Saints Catholic Church located at 5231 Meadowcreek Drive, Dallas, Texas 75248. A Burial will be held Friday, October 12, 2018 in Shabbona, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, you may contribute to St. Jude Medical research Center in Memphis, TN, in his honor Arrangements are under the direction of ARIA Cremation Service and Funeral Home 19310 Preston Road Dallas, Texas 75252 214-306-6700