07/26/2025
We lost our friends The Nelons to a plane crash just 1 year ago today. Kathie and I hosted them in Portland OR for many of their concerts when we were promoting many Southern Gospel Singing Groups and shared many meals and times together before and after the concerts.
Kelly was always so vivacious and we shared owning Dachsund's in common and she loved our Brody who has passed now as has her Sam.
Amber was so special with a voice so powerful since a child. She was featured in many of the early children's Gaither videos and recordings and was featured on many of The Nelons songs.
We first met them on a cross country trip stopping in Bryson City North Carolina to see them in a 4th of July concert in 2006. Jason invited us to attend their church in Georgia where they were leading worship at that time. He didn't know us but he made sure to let us know that The Nelons were dedicated to spread the Gospel wherever they went.
Autumn, who was not in the crash carries on The Nelons Legacy with strength that only God can supply at a time like this. She and her Uncle Todd are keeping Kelly, Jason and Amber's memory alive with Tribute Concerts to The Nelons and she is successfully having a great solo ministry. We watched her grow from a shy reserved child into a talented young woman and now also a mother.
Kelly, Jason and Amber I'm sure are looking on from their home in Heaven with great admiration for how she is moving forward with her life despite the circumstances.
We miss them like so many other of their friends and they had many. Wherever they went and whoever they came in contact with they were always considered friends.
Below is a video made by one of their fans of the concert we hosted at our home church Portland Christian Center in 2012 in Southwest Portland on Dosch Rd. In the video Kelly shares a moment with me on her Facebook Live which she used to do quite often. I will always miss and love The Nelons! 💕🌷🎉
The Nelons Come On Home Tour - Portland, OR - Monday, July 16, 2012. Background music from The Nelons - Come On Home album "Down To The River". http://www....