Gary P. Nelson, 80, of Hutchinson, died February 13, 2019, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born July 2, 1938, in Wichita, to Paul Edgar and Bonnie Earldene (Murray) Nelson.

Gary graduated from Wichita East High School in 1956, Wichita State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, and KU with a Master's in Psychiatric Social Work in 1964. He retired as Director of SRS (Social and Rehabilitation Services), now known as DCF (Department of Children and Family Services), after 40 years of service. Gary started his working career in Wichita, before moving to Winfield, and then Hutchinson in 1987. While in Hutchinson, Gary supervised a seven-county area. After retirement, Gary worked with Compassionate Ministries through First Church of the Nazarene for 11 years. Gary had a true passion for helping those in need. He was a member of the Hutchinson Gun Club, Kansas Conference on Social Welfare, National Association of Social Workers, and First Church of the Nazarene. Gary's hobbies included collecting coins and old money.

On August 28, 1970, he married Joyce Kay Cornwell in Wichita. They shared 48 years of marriage. Gary is survived by: wife, Joyce of Hutchinson; brother, Dr. Dennis Nelson and wife Penny; cousin, Jan Murray; nephews, Clay Eric Hawes, David Cornwell, Brad Cornwell; nieces, Dr. Susan Molloy, Marilyn Bedigrew and husband Marvin; brother-in-law, George Weitgenant; brother- and sister-in-law, Charles Cornwell and wife Wanda; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by: his parents; sister, Kathleen Weitgenant; grandparents; and aunts and uncles.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 20, 2019, at First Church of the Nazarene, 4290 North Monroe, Hutchinson, with Pastor Josh Moore and Dr. Mark Glover officiating. Graveside service will follow at 3 p.m. in Highland Cemetery, 425 Amos Becker Road, Winfield. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, with the family present from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Church of the Nazarene (for the building fund), or Hospice House, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS, 67501.