October 17, 1932 – February 29, 2008
Thomas M. Nelson Sr., age 75, owner and president of Professional Recruiters, Inc., was called home at Delmar Gardens Nursing Home on Friday, February 29, 2008, following a courageous battle with diabetes.
He was born October 17, 1932, in Memphis, Tenn., to the late Harry and Rosie Lee (Washington) Nelson. He attended Grant Grade School (Memphis) and moved to St. Louis in 1944. He graduated from Kinloch High School, and served in the U.S. Army. On September 8, 1956, he was united in marriage to Elva Jean Alexander in St. Louis.
He earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Washington University. He worked for McDonnell Douglas, Inc. where he became director of Equal Opportunity. He traveled all over the world negotiating contracts and selling airplanes.
He was an entrepreneur at heart and started Professional Recruiters, Inc. in 1974. He dedicated his days at McDonnell Douglas, and his evenings launching his own firm. He continued this pattern until he retired in 1991, allowing full attention to PRI. Hard work made his business a success, which he had for 30-plus years.
Thomas is survived by his son, Tom Jr., and his wife Merrill; his son and daughter-in-law, Barry A. Nelson and Michelle; his daughter and her husband, Stephanie and Ron Williams; seven grandchildren, Christian, Doryan, Jonathon, Melissa, Morgan, Allison and Madison; three sisters, Bernice Williamson, Essie Hurst and Rosie Lee Simmons; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers, Harry and Eugene; his wife Elva Jean; and his daughter Lisa.