John and Cheryl Ozols

Thursday, February 10, 2022

It is with heavy heart that we send our condolences to Mr. Robert Nelson’s family and friends. As parents off a former band member in his last class of sophomore band members before he retired, we enjoyed and appreciated his efforts with the band program for the Mountain Home School District. Like many, we supported the band’s public performances, on the field and in Dunbar Auditorium and enjoyed many years of seeing the MHHS band marching in the county fair parades, Christmas parade or the Homecoming events. As a band parent, the mom, I attended marching band competitions when my schedule permitted and volunteered as a band booster to help with concessions. Many wonderful memories there too. We also supported his serving on the MH School Board after his retirement. Over the years, we have lived in Mountain Home, as our children grew, we enjoyed learning about the excellent band program in the MHSD and joy it brought to the community. In our case, Mr. Nelson’s influence even lead to both our daughters attending AR Tech. We will miss his talent and have many wonderful memories of his efforts. Bless him for all his efforts.

Norman and Margaret MasonAlwa

Thursday, February 10, 2022

Robert N. Nelson always represented the best in everything he did. Our love for this family extends through many generations. This area is blessed to have known his leadership.

Tom Stickford

Thursday, February 10, 2022

Mr Nelson was such a great teacher and mentor, with positive and profound impact on so many thousands. He taught this displaced Yankee so many things, music and otherwise, including the proper pronunciation of Russellville. “That’s Ruhsuhvull, Stickford, not Russ-el-vill.” I am better for having been under his tutelage and thankful for it. My condolences to the extended Nelson family and all who mourn Mr Nelson’s passing.

Yvonne Perreault

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Ann, my deepest condolences to you and the family. After reading all these beautiful tributes to Bob, I thought of this verse and it seems fitting. “His master replied, ‘Well done! You are a good and faithful servant. You’ve been faithful over a little. I’ll put you in charge of much. Come, celebrate with me.’” (Matthew 25:23)

debbie (ross) FitzGerald / steve FitzGerald

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

to the Nelson family,
I have no words to express my heartfelt sadness for your family at this time of grieving. He had a profound influence on my life and love of music and teaching. He was determined to help us all become the best we could in our time with him and to understand the values to help us throughout life. He is the reason I will still do a skip step to get back into step with the beat of the music to this very day. I'm sure people wonder why I do it when they see it. But it is out of respect to Mr. Nelson and his passion.
May you have the love of those around you to help you through the coming time and know that he was loved and respected by generations of students and friends.
God's speed to all.
Keep in step to the love in our hearts to you and your family.

Ginnie Bukovi

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

My prayers are with Ann and the family in Robert's passing. I appreciated being in the choir at First Baptist, and the excellent teaching when Robert taught us. He will be greatly missed by many.
Sincerely,
Ginnie Bukovi

Bill & Lyn Keaster

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Our sincere sympathies to his beautiful family. What a privilege to have known Mr. Nelson.
His character, integrity, dedication and musical talents touched the lives of so many students and members of our community. He leaves an awesome legacy and will be missed greatly.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

John and Lynda Barnes

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Ann and the entire Nelson Family,
You have our sincere sympathy and prayers upon the passing of Robert. He was truly a legend in Mountain Home whose legacy will live on in the lives of his many students as well as those who heard his voice in the church choir and the Spokesmen Quartet. May he rest in peace, and may the Lord bring comfort to your family.

DeeDee Lewis-Pirozzolo

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Mr. Nelson,
My life is truly blessed for having you known you. There are not words in the English language strong enough to express the amount and the depth of the lives you have touched.
You Sir, earned your ultimate squiggle.
With deepest love. Rest easy. I'll see you on the flip side.

Tommy Runnels

Monday, February 7, 2022

However you measure Arkansas’ outstanding band directors, Bob Nelson’s name is there. I was honored to know him!

David Hafer

Monday, February 7, 2022

I have been trying for 3 days to think of an eloquent tribute to Mr. Nelson, and finally decided that there are no words worthy. He made a huge impact on my life and will forever be missed. To those of you who have never seen the movie Mr. Holland’s Opus, watch it! Immediately! That movie always reminds me of him.

Gary Boone

Monday, February 7, 2022

I met Robert Nelson at Searcy Junior High School as an 8th grade student in 1964. He was a positive influence in my life as he was in the lives of many of my fellow band mates and others who followed after us. That was a mere 58 years ago. We are all fortunate to have known this man. May you Rest In Peace Mr. Nelson.

Darren Irby

Monday, February 7, 2022

As a high schooler, I grew up during a certain time when our less classy band rivals to the west often referred to themselves as “the pride of North Central Arkansas.” As band members with a winning record to back it up, our spines stood a little taller and our hearts pumped a little faster when one night, over the cold and crackly Mountain Home High School Bomber stadium public address system, Mr. Nelson introduced us, his band, as “the REAL pride of North Central Arkansas.” We all talked about it for days and relished in the unexpected boastfulness of Mr. Nelson’s introduction. It was out of character for someone who was known as a portrayer of steady humbleness, a constant projector of a ‘when-they-do-low-we-go-high’ life philosophy, and a master of inscrutableness. For many of us, it would be years later that we would look back at those formidable years and realize that it wasn’t the collective us but it was Mr. Nelson himself that was the TRUE, real pride of North Central Arkansas.

When so many of us learned of his passing on Friday, it may have seemed as though the music fell silent. Mr. Nelson, the joyful music isn’t gone, it’s just the thousands of students and others that you touched, meticulously getting in line with instruments at brief rest, moving in precision to turn around and waiting for your direction. As the music crescendos, we’re all here, on the field and in unison, watching you RISE AGAIN. Thank you for being generous, dependable, and instilling in each of us what goodness looks like in every sense of the word.

Prayers and condolences for Ann, Laura, Marcy, Larry, Tommy and the entire Nelson family.

Roger & Roberta Margason

Monday, February 7, 2022

Dear Ann, Larry, Tommy and your entire family.
You have been in our prayers recently through Robert’s illness. We trust you will find God’s strength and comfort sufficient for you as we all mourn your loss. Nothing less than respect and admiration come to mind in reflecting upon Robert’s contribution to both of us. We still take great pride in being early MHHS band graduates of his. What an encourager! His high expectations for excellence have influenced us to this day.

Jim Bodenhamer

Monday, February 7, 2022

Definition of 'Making a Difference': Robert Neil Nelson

John McLaren

Monday, February 7, 2022

I am so sorry to hear of Robert's passing. He was good man and a mentor to everyone he met.

Samuel E. Null III

Sunday, February 6, 2022

I cannot begin to describe the impact Mr. Nelson had on my life; the pride he instilled in me to always seek perfection has always been paramount. I am grateful for all that he tought me, and will forever remember him for the man that he was, a mentor a father figure and a friend. Deepest condolences and love from my sons (Team Null) and myself to the family, he will truly be missed.

Gene McVay

Saturday, February 5, 2022

I have known Robert since first grade. We played together at his home near the grade school when I would stop while walking to my dad's garage across Highway 62 from Ed Pinkston's store.

I was always happy to see the Nelson's at First Baptist when I visited Mountain Home. Robert was a great and responsible citizen who made a difference in the lives of thousands of students and residents. I pray for peace that exceeds all understanding for Robert's family and friends.
May Almighty God rest his soul.

Toni DeMers Olden

Saturday, February 5, 2022

My deepest condolences & love to Ann & the entire Nelson family.
I am sure Robert’s legacy is more far reaching than we can even imagine!

Lora Howell

Saturday, February 5, 2022

Legends live forever.
My heart is sad with you Ann, Laura, Marcy and the rest of the family. I wish you comfort and peace.

Jim and Ronda (Bridgman) Kase

Saturday, February 5, 2022

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Nelson's family. We have so many memories of Mr. Nelson as we were his students during the 70's. Band was such a big part of our lives in school. Mr. Nelson taught us to do our best, not just for ourselves but for the entire band. It was a privilege to be a member of the bands that he directed. Memories of Mr. Nelson will live on whenever we attend the performances the local school bands.

Mrs. Nelson and family may your memories of happier times bring you comfort today and in the days ahead.

Charlie Owen

Saturday, February 5, 2022

Mr Nelson, in the one year I was in the Mtn. Home Bomber band I realized very quickly that you earned my respect and admiration! I thank the Lord that he brought you into my life. I have many great memories of my year in your band. Through Facebook I soon realized that your and I had a common hobby in nature photography. I always loved and enjoyed your photos! Sir, you are and will be missed!

Heather Cruzen

Saturday, February 5, 2022

So honored to have known such a great man that was so passionate and committed to music 🎵 and teaching his students. My dad just told the story this past weekend he has shared so many times. Your dad shared with mine that he as he walked past me during a practice for a performance and big tears 😢fell from my eyes while I played my clarinet on the football field. I was so proud and moved by the music 🎼. He was a great man that instilled that kind of appreciation in his students. I am so sorry for your loss Marcy. Thank you 🙏🏼 for sharing your dad with so many. He has left a great legacy

Gene & Becky McCoy

Saturday, February 5, 2022

Our family moved to Mtn. Home at a critical time for our oldest child, who was beginning her High School experience. It was the second time she had been uprooted and forced to leave very good friends. We credit the band, and Mr. Nelson in particular, for providing a "place" for her in her new environment. She made many good friends and lasting memories among the band members. Our youngest child was also in the band and gained the same benefits. The lessons we instilled in our children regarding excellence and discipline were reinforced in the band experience. Mr. Nelson's commitment to both is one reason we held him in high regard with great appreciation. And we benefitted, as well, as we traveled here and there to marching competitions, where our girls experienced the thrill of winning awards for musicianship, marching accuracy, and the awesome display of discipline. The memories and lessons live on through the lives of his many students and friends. If you ask our daughters what they cherish and remember most about High School, they will unhesitatingly say, "The band!" And so do we, the parents. We hope the family derives comfort and peace in knowing the positive impact Mr. Nelson made upon the community.

Kae Chatman

Saturday, February 5, 2022

What sad news! I am so glad to have attended the last Searcy High School band reunion, where I saw Mr. Nelson for the first time in (could it really be) 50+ years. Wow! I knew he had health problems, but he was still cheeky and willing to argue with a smart-alecky student. I remember him fondly. He once threw his baton at me, but I ducked. Mr. Nelson was all business on podium, but all love for music and kids. I will always honor his name and great dignity as an educator.

Sandy Huckabee

Saturday, February 5, 2022

My sisters and I had the wonderful blessing of being in Mr. Nelson's band. When I would return home and see Mr. Nelson, he would always insist that I call him "Robert" or "Bob". I couldn't. He was "Mr." Nelson to whom I have the highest respect.

The Scriptures display a stunning Heavenly scene of worship and music. The baton has been passed. The Heavenly Band has a new director. Thank you Mr. Nelson for all you poured into our lives. By God's grace, save me a place in the saxophone section.

Prayers for God's comfort for Ms. Ann, Laura, Marcy, Larry, and Tommy.

Deanette Ashabraner Lynch

Saturday, February 5, 2022

Mr. Nelson had a profound effect on how I have approached tasks, challenges, and opportunities throughout my life. His influence bled through how I instructed and mentored the students in my own classroom. If you are going to do something, you should do it the right way and with integrity. I truly loved being a majorette in Mr. Nelson’s program for the three years I was in high school, and the memories I have of first hour practices, Thursday night run throughs, Friday night football games, halftime performances, parades, and competitions are some of the very best of my high school experience. Thank you Nelson family for sharing him with the thousands of young people who were blessed to have been taught and influenced by him. We are better because of it. Much love and prayers to you all during this difficult time.
Deanette Ashabraner Lynch ‘81

Jeff & Elaina Treat

Saturday, February 5, 2022

We both have wonderful memories of Mr. Nelson and the MHHS Band. He will be fondly remembered for years to come by so many lives he touched. Prayers for his family and others in this time of loss. Jeff & Elaina

Freddy Bell

Saturday, February 5, 2022

Ann and Family,
I was very sad to learn of Robert's passing. He was a great mentor to me in my teaching career and a true friend. To put it simply, Robert was one of my favorite people ever. He will be missed by more people than you will ever know. Hopefully the outpouring of condolences from so many people can help you and your family through this time of grief.

John morgeson

Saturday, February 5, 2022

Leaving a great legacy our prayers with the family

Jonelle Sullivan Kamman

Saturday, February 5, 2022

While I wasn’t a band student at MHHS I certainly enjoyed the performances and dedication of all. Of course this is contributed directly to Mr Nelson, who was an ever present figure and huge part of our school spirit. My condolences to his family and friends. He was a great one!

Mike and Dianna Roller

Saturday, February 5, 2022

Dear Ann and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Robert was a wonderful person and he had such an impact on his community through his years in education. He will be sorely missed by all of those who were fortunate enough to have known and loved him. He was dedicated to the betterment of numerous students over the years and I know his students loved and respected him as did all of the other teachers who worked along side him over the years.
Please accept our condolences. You have our deepest and heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time.
We will keep you and yours close in our hearts. Thinking of you and sending thoughts and prayers for comfort.
Sincerely,
Dianna and Mike Roller

Paula Roddy

Saturday, February 5, 2022

Sorry for your loss
Sincere sympathy
Paula Roddy

Rick Lovall

Saturday, February 5, 2022

Mr Nelson Quotes that still guide my life:

“If you’re going to make a mistake, make a loud one so we can hear it and fix it.”

“Play for the squiggle.” (the chills that run down your spine when the collective sound is right.

“Guide right!” - you can’t be right unless you’re right with the person next to you.

Thank you, Mr Nelson, for your incredible impact on our lives.

Rick Lovall - Class of 93

Elise Spratt-Strain

Saturday, February 5, 2022

Prayers for you all. Will miss seeing your pictures, they were lovely. You were such a huge part of my life growing up. You were patient, tough when needed, stern when needed to be, but always respectful, always uplifting, always supportive, and always took the time to make sure those life lessons were learned. You will be missed very much.

Ken Williams

Saturday, February 5, 2022

I am so sorry to her of the loss of Bob. He was a good friend and a great mentor. I appreciated his commitment to excellence so much. My prayers are with all of the family.

Alan Blevins

Friday, February 4, 2022

I am so
Sorry for your loss of Mr Nelson I had the utmost respect for him as a teacher and leader of youth . I am saddened by the loss but I will smile and enjoy the memories that we had with him and and all
Of the Nelson family
Alan Blevins

Denise Oaige

Friday, February 4, 2022

I was saddened to hear of Mr. Nelson’s passing. He touched mine and so many other lives. So many memories made under his direction. He will be missed but always thought of fondly. I hope you can find comfort in knowing he helped form so many lives.

Rose Cubr Green

Friday, February 4, 2022

I'm so sad to see the news of Mr. Nelson passing away. He possibly has had the most profound impact on my life of any teacher I've ever had. Aside from instilling extremely high professional music standards in students, he taught us to be the best people we could be. To have integrity, to do our best, to work as a team. I think a little bit of what I learned from him is a part of every venture I undertake. He made a permanent mark on the high school music scene in Arkansas, and his influence is spread as far as his students have wandered. Thank you, Nelson family, for sharing him with the rest of us. I'm sure he's up there directing a heavenly band, where no one is ever out of tune or off on the timing. I'm the meantime, I'm praying for you to feel comforted.

Connie Riley Roderick

Friday, February 4, 2022

He will be missed. I so enjoyed his pictures . He taught
Three of my girls , my thoughts and prayers are with your
Family.

Scott Cain

Friday, February 4, 2022

I know one thing those angels harps and horns better be playing in key and together ….and if the percussion section gets off tempo…. Watch out!
Heaven just gained a true saint
I love the Nelson family… the whole city of mountain home is crying right now

Dan Young

Friday, February 4, 2022

Sending all my love, prayers and Condolences to you all
Robert was a wonderful teacher and mentor for me..I can't express how much that he meant to so many of us..He walks with Christ..always..D.

Jeannie Kirk Hall

Friday, February 4, 2022

Ann, I am so sorry for your pain and your loss. Robert was such an inspiration with his pictures and scripture references. They blessed me every morning. Heaven gained a precious Christian when Robert joined Jesus this morning. I love you, my dear friend and I am praying for you and your family.

Vonya Schaufler

Friday, February 4, 2022

Prayers to Marcy and your family. Your dad’s gift to MH schools will truly be remembered and live on. Love you all!

Gary Newton

Friday, February 4, 2022

While I was just one of thousands who loved and learned from him, my less than a decade of memories are treasured and indelible.

Summers with his family in Fayetteville (Skull Creek Apartments), as he and my parents were in grad school.

Evenings in Mountain Home, as the adults played cards and the kids just played.

Falls and Winters in the bleachers, listening to and watching the Bomber Band soundtrack football and basketball games and dominate halftimes.

Trying to help them move, but tipping and cracking his Japanese grill.

An assembly at Nelson-Wilkes, where we sixth graders were encouraged to give band a try.

Choosing the trumpet because of him, his brother Tommy, and Bill Worthen.

The 12th birthday arrival of my Getzen Capri, his recommendation.

Summer band at MHHS for the beginners, in awe as one man taught every instrument.

Seventh grade, when he would be so ensconced in the teachers’ lounge crafting a new performance, he allowed me to take his baton and start rehearsal without him.

A familiar and stable oasis in a personal storm, aided by ping pong.

The unachievable standard for every band experience thereafter in two junior highs, high school (three directors), and college.

I last saw Mr. and Mrs. Nelson at my dad’s visitation in 2007. That’s my fault and regret. As thirty-five years earlier, just seeing them was comfort in another storm.

May God’s promise comfort Mrs. Nelson, Laura, Marcy, their families and all who learned from, loved, and were loved by Mr. Nelson.”

“If music be the food of love, play on…”

Carmen Swan Iversen

Friday, February 4, 2022

To the Nelson family,
My deepest sympathy to you all. Mr. Nelson was indeed an excellent band director & teacher. He was hard on us at times, but only because he wanted us to be our best. I have so many memories from band and the trips we took. Thank you, Mr. Nelson. You will be forever in our memories and thoughts. Peace, prayers & blessing,
Carmen Swan Iversen

Sherry Killian

Friday, February 4, 2022

My deepest sympathy to the family on their loss of Robert. I know from working with him at MHHS that he was a family man and a Christian. He worked hard with many band students a instilled much respect in them! I had much respect for him, also. Robert will be missed but is in his new heavenly home. Many thoughts and prayers for the family.
Sherry Killian

STAN & MAXINE BRIDGMAN

Friday, February 4, 2022

We are sorry to hear of Mr. Nelson's passing. All three of our girls were in his band instruction. We went on many band trips. He had his students at heart and would do anything for them on the trips, like see to it that they got to Church and the like. He expected the students to do their best and always gave his best to make their trips to be well remembered. The band always did well at any competition. He will be remembered for ever in the mountain home high school.
Stan and Maxine

Debbie Cross

Friday, February 4, 2022

Our sympathy to All those who feel the loss of this fine gentleman. Mr. Nelson mentored our son Christopher. Our grandchildren also played in the band in later years. They may not have been under his direction, but they did benefit from his visits and his legacy.
The Cross Family

Danielle (Phelps) Bagby

Friday, February 4, 2022

I think as a band we usually wanted Mr. Nelson’s approval much more than we really wanted any award. He was a true leader, teacher, and role model. A compliment or a smile wasn’t easily earned, but it was worth it when we did. Thank you for the lessons and memories.

Melissa Snow-Clark

Friday, February 4, 2022

I am stunned. I haven't seen Mr. Nelson in years, but thankfully, have enjoyed his beautiful photography on Facebook.
Mr. Nelson means so much to me because he was the first person who me made me realize that I was a better clarinet player than I thought I was. I was never that great--but he knew I worked hard and that gave me confidence.
His work ethic was legend. He worked our band fervently, but we loved him all the more--especially when we won in competitions! You could always count on the band being excellent --every single year. He truly made his mark in this world and will be greatly missed.
God bless his wonderful family.

Tamara (Tammy Ball) Thomas (1981)

Friday, February 4, 2022

Not enough words to express how much Mr. Nelson’s influence impacted my life! However because of him I was able to face life accepted, appreciated, confident, encouraged and part of an enormous, ever growing part of his family.

Wesley Pendergrass

Friday, February 4, 2022

My life would be nothing without yours, and for that I am forever grateful.

Donnie Pitchford

Friday, February 4, 2022

Prayers are lifted for the Nelson family at this time. Thank you Mr. Nelson for the many many hours spent teaching music and life values to young people.

Judi Altstatt

Friday, February 4, 2022

Many heartfelt prayers that each of you feel surrounded by love during this difficult time.

Mr. Nelson was such an important part of my music education! His legacy continues as those of us lucky enough to have been taught by him share his love of music and life lessons with others. I was blessed to be part of his band!

Shirla Hill

Friday, February 4, 2022

Our prayers to the entire family for comfort during this time. Our community has lost an amazing man, just a fantastic, all around person.

Vicki oxner

Friday, February 4, 2022

Prayers to the family. May God provide comfort and peace to you during this time of loss and sorrow. I was privileged to have Mr. Nelson as my band instructor. Even after I graduated I would stop by to say hello to him. He had a great impact in my life teaching me discipline, perseverance and working hard to achieve my goals. He was tough and demanded the best but in the end was worth every moment. May you rest in peace and the love of God for now, til we meet again in Heaven.

Kathy Ross

Friday, February 4, 2022

Mr. Nelson. He will always be known as Mr. Nelson, respected and loved.
He has been such an influence on so many.
We will miss you.

Donella DePriest Dulworth

Friday, February 4, 2022

To the family of Mr. Nelson, Thank you for sharing him with all of the students that passed through the doors of MHHS. He made a lasting impression on all of us. He and his family had a very big impact on my family after moving to MH in the early 60's. His grandfather, Herman Langston, hired my Dad and that family was one of our first friends. I will cherish those memories always. I know he had a wonderful reunion with loved ones and most importantly his Savior when he entered the gates of Heaven. I am so thankful he was a part of my life! Praying for comfort and peace for all of you. Sincerely Donella DePriest Dulworth

Jane Perry Shewbridge

Friday, February 4, 2022

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for all the years Mr Nelson, all the lives including mine ,that you left a lifelong impression on. May God grant you all peace and comfort beyond all understanding.
Jane Perry

Sheri (Hall) Gilbert

Friday, February 4, 2022

Mr. Nelson permeates my very best memories from high school. He was an outstanding educator and a beloved band director. He didn't just teach music to his students, he taught valuable life lessons. He was consistent and his drive for excellence rubbed off on those of us who found ourselves in front of his baton. Thank you for sharing him with so many of us. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Valarie Hayes

Friday, February 4, 2022

I am in tears seeing this today. There is no teacher that affected my life as much as Mr. Nelson. He was so much more that a teacher. He taught us to work hard, win as a team, loose as a team, be proud of ourselves, to be determined in all that we do. Such am amazing man that will be missed by so many. No one could ever be close to him. To all of his family, I express my biggest condolences. I will be praying hard for you all. 🙏 ❤

Richard Fair

Friday, February 4, 2022

To the family of Robert Nelson,

We are praying for you during this difficult time, yet we rejoice that Mr. Nelson has received his eternal reward! His impact on so many is still felt and will continue to be felt for decades to come. Thank you for your support of his teaching efforts. Your support of him allowed us the honor and privilege to learn so much from him about music but more importantly about life. His faith, character, and love for his family was always displayed. Prayers of comfort for you all during this time.

Joan R Young

Friday, February 4, 2022

He will always be referred to as Mr. Nelson, he earned that respect. He will be missed for his music and photography. Prayers and hugs to all who loved him. Heaven is getting a wonderful addition.

Patty Strawbridge

Friday, February 4, 2022

Dear Nelson Family,

We are so very sorry for your loss. Robert Nelson taught both our children so much more than music and he was very loved and respected by our family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

The Strawbridge Family

Sonya Hickman

Friday, February 4, 2022

My thoughts and prayers are with your wonderful family this morning
May you be comforted in the assurance of his heavenly home going. Love you all

Sonya