In Memoriam

We take a moment to honor the memory of our esteemed members and colleagues who have passed away, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and compassion in the field of medicine. Their contributions have profoundly impacted countless lives, and their absence will be deeply felt within our community. As we reflect on their lives, let us remember the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." We encourage all members to share their memories and tributes, celebrating the remarkable individuals who have shaped our society and inspired us all.

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Robert H. Nelson, MD 

Member Since July 31, 1979 - 47Years

Robert Howard Nelson, "Bob" to his friends, "Robert" to his family, "Dad" to his children, "Papa" to his grandchildren, and Dr. Nelson to his patients and colleagues passed away on June 6, 2026, at the age of 79, from complications of pancreatic cancer. He was born the second child of Howard and Opal Nelson. As a small child, Bob knew that medicine would be his passion.

Bob lettered in both football and track at Pryor High School, where he graduated in 1965 as an excellent student and champion hurdler. He enrolled at Oklahoma State University, a Cowboy to his core, where he pledged Sigma Alpha Epsilon and became a member of numerous student leadership organizations. On a blind date, he met Beth, and they married on April 5, 1969, in Bennett Chapel on the OSU campus — a union that would last more than 57 years.

He earned his medical degree from OU in 1973 (but never cheered for the Sooners). Robert then headed west to U.C. Davis, for his ENT residency.

Bob settled his family, now including son Scott and daughter Holly, in Tulsa, joining Eastern Oklahoma Ear, Nose, and Throat in 1979, where he would practice for nearly four decades before retiring in 2016. From his first day to his last, he wore a tie beneath his white coat, "out of respect for my patients." He loved his partners, his team, and his patients.

Bob raised his family at Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian, in Tulsa, "the Kirk.” He taught Sunday School, participated in church ski trips, enjoyed the same small group for years, and gave himself to the congregation as both deacon and elder, and participated in numerous short-term-mission trips with teams from the Kirk. He enjoyed Bible Study Fellowship, and especially benefitted from the fellowship. Bob was a lifelong learner.

Bob's Oklahoma State loyalty was absolute. He held OSU football season tickets for decades, and in later years could be found at basketball games, wrestling matches, and softball games. He bled orange. In retirement he enjoyed researching his ancestry, travel, time spent with grandchildren, and caring for the best lawn on the block with his dog beside him.

After retirement, Robert and Beth relocated to Dallas, then to Stillwater, where he spent his final years close to family. In the place he stated towards the end, “Stillwater has always been HOME.”

Click here to view the complete obituary for Dr. Nelson.