Steven Eugene Nelson, 70, of Amarillo, went to Heaven on Aug. 18, 2024. He was born to Dorothy and Bill Dixon on June 22, 1954, in Sioux City, Iowa. In his early years, he relocated to Amarillo and was adopted by his dad, Emil Nelson. He was the oldest of seven children.
Steve had four children — Stevie, Lisa, Joshua and Rachel. He married Teresa Nelson on Sept. 13, 2002, and gained a bonus daughter, Elizabeth. Steve loved telling stories, spending time with his family and being a “papa” to his grandchildren. He also enjoyed meeting up with his dear friends for breakfast at Cattleman’s Cafe.
Steve was a member of First Baptist Church of Dumas. He gave his life to Jesus in 1981 and was a lifelong student of the Bible. He was passionate about preaching the gospel to others.
Steve worked on cars throughout his life and was a talented mechanic and auto body technician. He found his true calling working in childcare and specialized in mentoring adolescent boys. He worked for Buckner Children’s Home and Quest Psych Hospital before landing his dream job at Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch. He had a true gift and passion for working with the most challenging youth.
Steve earned a Bachelor of Science in social work from West Texas A&M University in 2006. He went on to earn a Master of Arts in counseling and became a licensed professional counselor, which was one of his proudest accomplishments. He loved working with horses and was certified by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association to do equine-assisted therapy. He worked as a counselor for Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, Jennings Counseling Services and at his own private practice, Steve Nelson Counseling Services.
Steve was preceded in death by his dad, Emil Nelson; his mother, Dorothy Clayton and husband Jim; his father, Bill Dixon; and a sister, Lori Fowler. He leaves behind his wife, Teresa, of the home; son Stevie Nelson of Austin; daughter Lisa Branum and husband Mark of Amarillo; daughter Elizabeth Tapp and husband David of Dumas; son Joshua Nelson and wife Crystal of Amarillo; daughter Rachel Nelson of Austin; his grandchildren: Steven Nelson, Genevieve Presley, Matthew Tapp, Mackenzie Nelson, Addison Tapp, Luke Branum, Samuel Branum, Katelynn Tapp and Zachary Tapp; brother, Mark Nelson; sister Teri Land and husband Steve; sister Kristi Sander; brother Kirk Nelson; sister Shari Penny and husband Tom; brother Harry Dixon; stepmother Joyce Dixon; as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends.
A graveside service will be held Friday, Aug. 23 at 10:30 a.m. at Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch Cemetery, Boys Ranch, Texas.
Steve and I worked together for many years at Quest. We made many memories working there with the type of patients we saw each day. He was always so much fun. We lost touch for a few years but started talking on fb recently. Sending prayers for his family. He will be missed.
Love you my precious nephew
Many prayers to our family. Steve is very much loved by many
No little boy was ever cuter than you a wonderful man
My wonderful nephew You were a great guy and I love you
Oh my he will be greatly missed, I also worked with Steve at Quest hospital and then again as a therapist, for many of our CASA children. He will be greatly missed
I worked with Steve at Cal Farley’s. We co-facilitated a weekly group with kids where we rode horses to the rhythm of music in the arena. He rode a horse named BJ, and I’ll never forget the process of watching him and BJ build a partnership for being able to do that kind of riding. He even spent time outside of that group working with that horse so he could show up to the best of his ability for the kids in that group. His willingness to work through his struggles with BJ in front of the kids was something to admire. Not many men of Steve’s upbringing and background find the ego strength to do something like that. I believe it had a meaningful impact on those kids. I know it did on me.
I worked with Steve for many years at Cal Farleys. He was a remarkable man and will be sorely missed
I love and miss you papa..
This week, my dad finished his race, and I know he has rewards in heaven for all the souls he touched. I’ll always cherish the memories I have of him preaching to the homeless at Faith City Mission when I was a kid. I’ll miss our long talks and breaking bread together, but I know we’ll be reunited one day. I’m thankful he’s out of pain with his glorified body in Heaven.
I want to thank everyone who left a memory here and also thanks to everyone who came to see my dad during his final days, especially his former staff from the Rafter R home at Boys Ranch. I remember you all from 20+ years ago, and it has been extremely moving to see that my dad still means so much to all of you.
Boys Ranch is where my dad spent some of the best days of his life, and I’m thankful that it is his final resting place. RIP Daddy, I love you 💛
I love and miss you so much Papa! ❤️ I know you are really happy in Heaven with Jesus and your horses. I will always cherish the memories that we made together, including riding horses with you, going to your house on Christmas Eve and going out for breakfast with you and Josh. Even though we will all miss you here on Earth, I know you are in Heaven where you belong and I look forward to seeing you again one day. I love you. 💛💛💛 You’ll be in my heart and mind forever.