BENNINGTON — Wednesday, April 17, 2013, Merrell “Mario” James Nelson, 59, greeted his Savior face-to-face. Mr. Nelson was born Dec. 16, 1953, Ottawa, Kan. He was preceded in death by his brother, Mark Nelson. He is survived by his loving wife, Debra Adams-Nelson; parents, James and Janet (Merrell) Nelson; sister, Joy Nelson Wolf and husband, Patrick Wolf; nephew, Graham; nieces, Risa and Cooper Wolf; and aunt Doris Nelson McGinnis. Merrell and Debbie began making beautiful music together on Dec. 23, 1983, and would have celebrated 30 years of marriage this December. Merrell’s musical gifts can be described as extraordinary! He began playing the piano by ear at the age of 6. By the time he was 8, he was serving as organist and pianist at his parents’ church in Puerto Rico. Merrell used his God given talents to serve both the Lord and his community. For the past 11 years, Merrell has served as accompanist, organist, praise band director, and director of vocal music at St. John’s Military School. People all over the United States enjoyed the musical collaborations of Merrell and Debbie. While living in Oklahoma, Merrell and Debbie performed in the select choir at the dedication of the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial site and the dedication ceremony of the opening of the museum. The members of the choirs represented the individuals lost in the bombing. Merrell and Debbie felt honored to be involved in these ceremonies and meet former Presidents, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. This was one of many blessings in a career filled with amazing musical moments. Merrell’s life was filled with sorrow, pain, and joy; and this week he stepped into the Kingdom of complete happiness, peace, and harmony. A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. today at the First Baptist Church in Salina. Memorials may be made to Child Advocacy and Parenting Services (CAPS), The Merrell and Debbie Nelson Memorial Scholarship Fund, or The Pacific House of Mission run by niece, Risa and husband Eric Wenzel, a mission reaching every military teen at Schofield Barracks, in Hawaii, in care of Wilson Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 166, Minneapolis, KS 67467.
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James E. Spicer, 85, of Salina, died Saturday, April 20, 2013. He was born Oct. 14, 1927, in Ada, Okla., the son of Russel and Libeth (Fontaine) Spicer.
He was a chemical engineer and worked for Wilson & Co. Engineers & Architects for more than 22 years. He was formerly employed by the Boeing airplane company in Wichita.
James was a graduate of the University of Arkansas class of 1951, with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering and a proud member of the Alumni Association. He was a United States Navy Veteran of World War II, and later served in the Naval Reserve.
James was an Eagle Scout and served as Boy Scout Leader for many years in Magnolia, Ark., Bunkie, La., Derby and Salina. He married Claire A. Bourg on Aug. 12, 1955, in Bunkie.
Survivors include his wife, Claire Spicer, of Salina; two sons, William (Cynthia) Spicer, of Wichita, and J.P. (Maria) Spicer-Escalante, of Logan, Utah; one daughter, Mary (Richard) Hammel, of Manhattan; and four grandchildren, Lauren (Cole) McDaniel, Steven Spicer, Brett Spicer and Dani Spicer-Escalante.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 26, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, with family greeting visitors from 5-7 p.m. at the mortuary.
Memorials are to the Saline County Animal Shelter or Birthright of Salina.
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Ronald E. King, 15, of Salina, passed away Sunday, April 21, 2013. He was born Aug. 9, 1997, in Topeka to Geoffery E., of Topeka, and Stephanie L. (Entriken) King, of Salina.
He is survived by his parents; grandparents, Robert Jr. and Sandy Entriken, both of Salina, Donald and Joyce Holdeman and Ronald King, all of Topeka, and Danny and Linda Watkins, of Seneca; great-grandparents, Jack and Dorothy Miller, of Salina; siblings, Raelynn, of the home, Katlin, of Dayton, Ohio, and Brandon, Hannah and Gabriel, all of Topeka; special friends, Jason Heilig and Arika Heilig, both of Salina; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Ronald was a NASCAR fan, especially of Dale Jr. He enjoyed cartoons and movies, loved music, and was a loving child with so many friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 25, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina.
There will be no visitation.
Memorials maybe made to Salina Habitat for Humanity, and sent in care of the mortuary.