Dr. Richard Elliott Nelson, 89, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2025, at the University of Kansas Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.
Richard was born November 4, 1936, in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Roy and Blanche (Silver) Nelson. He graduated from Lindsborg High School in 1954 and went on to attend Emporia State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education in 1958 and his master’s degree in 1961.
He began his career in education at Tonovay High School and later served as a guidance counselor at Towanda High School. Richard then worked as a guidance counselor and principal at Hutchinson Junior High School before moving to Hutchinson High School as a counselor. He later accepted a position with the Kansas State Department of Education in Topeka. In 1975, he earned his Ph.D. from University of Missouri in Columbia, and shortly thereafter the family moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where Richard joined the University of Kansas School of Education. He retired in 2007 after a long and distinguished career dedicated to students and educators.
Richard was a longtime member of Central United Methodist Church.
On September 1, 1957, he married Barbara Ann Johnson in Salina, Kansas. She survives. Additional survivors include their children, Jeff Nelson, J.D. Nelson, and Jody Miller (Scott); grandchildren, Taite Nelson, Kelsey Gotsche (Adam), Logan Miller, Kinsey Nelson, Kaylin Nelson, Kaleb Nelson, and Caitlin Matthews; and great-grandchildren, Lilah Nelson, Collins Gotsche, Kyler Gotsche, and Elliott Nelson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings JoAnne Nelson, Edward Nelson, Eula Johnson, Robert Nelson, and Muriel Strange; grandson Tyler Miller; and daughter-in-law Mary Beth Nelson.
Richard was very proud of his Swedish heritage and held a deep love for Lindsborg, Kansas. He enjoyed fishing and camping, golf, photography, and cheering on KU basketball. Most of all, he cherished time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service honoring Richard’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial of the urn will take place at Pioneer Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum, 120 E. Mill Street, Lindsborg, KS 67456, or online at www.oldmillmuseum.org/donations/.
Dr. Nelson was an excellent mentor to me during my time as a graduate student at KU. From my first campus visit to my graduation, Dr. Nelson served as a positive guide. He opened up opportunities for me to teach, take on my first school counseling position, and get my masters thesis published. He was a generous soul who shared his expertise in suicide prevention which opened the way for me to join him when he gave workshops and support to students, teachers and entire school districts. I have him to thank for planting the seeds for my doctoral dissertation work. His compassion and ability to connect with others were remarkable. I send my sympathy and friendship to his family who I know meant the world to him.
I was a graduate student in the counseling program during his first year as a professor at KU. Though we worked together only briefly, his kindness and support meant a great deal to me and left a lasting impression. My condolences to his family.
Dr. Nelson was one of my instructors and also my counselor when I attended KU. I also was in a school district that had him present inservice about suicide prevention. It is so true that we all have that one teacher that really affected our lives. He was mine. He was such a good instructor. I learned life skills from him I use everyday. He taught us how to listen well and communicate well with our students but also with everyone. He taught us how to really enjoy people and support them. He was also funny and so genuine. My husband and I went to him for counseling before we got married and he was instrumental in us deciding to marry. We are still married over 40 years. What people say is so true about him. He touched lives and I am so grateful mine was one of those.
Barb and “kids”, sorry to hear about Dick’s passing. When I started at KU in 1982 Dick was a solid support. Graduating from the same program at Mizzou was a bond we shared, especially important at KU. But he was supportive to students in a particularly positive way as well. I appreciated serving on student committees with him, and knew that career services were in good hands when he transitioned to Counseling and Psychological Services. He was good for KU, and he was a good man.
Barbara, Jody, Jay, Jeff… Rose and I were saddened to learn yesterday of Dick/Richard’s passing. I remember when we arrived in Lawrence–along with Jim O’Neil, and Gary Price…a “sea change” for the CPSY program and the School of Education. We worked together for many years–with Dick and Art Thomas opting to move to the “Counseling and Psychological Services” CAPS, previously the Univ. Couns Center) while the rest of us stayed in the program…though Dick certainly continued to influence the program’s (and the wider University’s) students most particularly as the head of CAPS’ career service. Rose and I remember pre-game gatherings at your place on Yellowstone. Those were fun times and fun years. And although I know Dick was a bit older than me, starting our “adventure” at KU offer some important “formative years” for us. Both Rose and I have fond memories of in Lawrence and with you and Dick…and of Jody, Jeff and Jay. Dick made memorable contributions to the program, its curriculum, and its students. I can so clearly “hear” in my mind his laugh. We are so sorry for your loss.
Dear Barbara and Family,
Richard was my Graduate School
Advisor and friend. As this connection continued our friendship with both him and you grew to a beautiful relationship with our families. We watched each other’s children grow-up and celebrated milestones; we cheered the Jayhawks, and Barbara you and I became walking buddies. It was the love and joy through our friendship that makes this loss even harder. We also became the proud owner of an antique that Richard lovingly restored. His contributions are many; he was a loved friend and educator and cared with a true and loving heart. May he rest in peace and may our friendship continue as we navigate together life’s joys and challenges. With love, Phyllis Lewin & Family
Dear Barbara and family, I was so sorry to hear about your dear husband. Take care Barb, you will be in my prayers.
I was a student of Dr. Nelson’s when I obtained my master’s degree in counseling. I attended (twice) a session he led on how to help a friend who had been raped. Have thought of him often as I’ve driven down Kasold on the way to Grace Presbyterian. Thankful for all the lives he touched.
Dear Barbara and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. In the early ’90s, Dick and I co-authored a book for teens–The Power to Prevent Suicide: A Guide to Teens Helping Teens. Our award-winning book was in print for more than 20 years and was in five languages. Dick’s practical, compassionate, intelligent approach–combined with his years of experience counseling youth–contributed to the book’s success. It saved lives. Thanks, Dick, for being the best collaborator!
To Dr. Nelson’s family, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Dr. Nelson was a lifesaver to me during a rough period of my life. I’m sure I am not the only person with these feelings about him. Thank you for sharing him with us for many years and treasure your memories of him. He was a delightful, caring person. Love, Sue Ashcraft