William Nelson Philpot

William Nelson Philpot, age 89, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024, in Homer, Louisiana. He was born on June 9, 1935 to Odis and Blake Philpot at Cherry Hill, Arkansas.

He graduated from high school in Mena, Arkansas in 1953 and attended Southern Arkansas State University before transferring to Oklahoma State University where he completed Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. He was recognized as a Graduate of Distinction by both universities.

Nelson married Doris Ann Kinkade on May 7, 1954, and together they raised one son, Michael, and two daughters, Marcia and Valerie. They made their homes in Stillwater, Oklahoma and Homer, Louisiana.

In 1963 Nelson helped establish the internationally recognized LSU Mastitis Research Laboratory and served as Director until 1980 when he became Resident Director of the LSU Hill Farm Research Station. He was the first charter member of the National Mastitis Council, serving as President in 1974, and was the National President of the Agricultural Development Foundation.

Nelson retired from Louisiana State University in 1995 and continued his interests lecturing and consulting internationally, as well as engaging in international agricultural missions activities. For many years, he enjoyed speaking on such diverse subjects as milk quality, world hunger, agricultural development, and the role of biotechnology in feeding the world, to name a few.

Nelson was a man of deep faith and enjoyed sharing his expansive Biblical knowledge, as evidenced by the many years of service at the First Baptist Church of Homer where he served as deacon and Sunday School teacher for most of his adult life. He had a gift for teaching and it brought him great joy to share his knowledge with anyone who was interested.

He was an avid reader of nonfiction and authored numerous books, textbook chapters, and hundreds of other publications on a wide range of subjects. In recent years, Nelson enjoyed summarizing books, many of which were on faith-related subjects. Indeed, he had a great fascination with heaven and the afterlife! The family is finding great comfort knowing that he is rejoicing in heaven with Doris and many relatives and friends who predeceased him.

While Nelson received many professional accolades over the years, it was not his academic or scientific achievements he held most dear. His greatest accomplishments were related to his family. He and Doris were devoted first to God, then to each other, then to their children and grandchildren. Many times they told their family that their greatest treasures were their children, grandchildren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They loved each one unreservedly and honored their uniqueness.

Nelson and Doris enjoyed many adventures in their more than 70 years of life together. They loved traveling with friends and family, enjoying many countries in Europe, North and South America, and Asia. Some of their favorite trips included white water rafting in Costa Rica, hiking to Machu Picchu in Peru, riding camels among the pyramids in Egypt, and deepening their faith exploring Israel. Among the family’s greatest adventures were the vacations with beloved family friends, the Mosses, and when the family spent 3 months exploring England’s rich history during a research sabbatical. Nelson enjoyed a deep appreciation for people of all cultures, and many of his closest friends were from foreign countries. He and Doris made their home a collection of memories from their travels and found great pleasure sharing stories, describing where they found each treasure.

In addition to his parents, Nelson was predeceased by his wife, Doris. In the nine months since her death, Nelson continued to approach life with optimism and joy. He was determined to not feel sorry for himself, express loneliness, or dwell in sadness. Two brothers, Jim Philpot of Mexico City and Lawrence Philpot of Mena, Arkansas also preceded him in death, as well as his “uncle” Bob Philpot, whom he loved as a brother. In recent years, Nelson lost many friends whose relationships meant so much to him.

He is survived by his 3 children, Michael Philpot and wife Linda of Montgomery, Texas; daughter Marcia Jordan and husband Gary of Double Oak, Texas; and daughter Valerie Tuggle and husband Jimmy of Homer. He leaves 5 grandchildren who lovingly called him “Bumpaw”, Robert Wideman of Frisco, Texas; Jon David Philpot and wife Jasmine of Houston, Texas; Emily Philpot of Houston, Texas; Jason Tuggle and wife Caleh of El Dorado, Arkansas; and Taylor Tuggle and wife Jessica of Fort Worth, Texas.

He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren including Brody, Chance, and Tanner Wideman of Frisco, Texas; Kensington, Annalise, and Stetson Tuggle of El Dorado, Arkansas; and Ezra Tuggle of Fort Worth, Texas. In his final hours, he managed a few grins when he was referred to by his grandchildren as their beloved “Bumpaw.”

Additionally, Nelson is survived by his sister, Odessa Dann and husband Robert of Rockville, Maryland, and sister-in-law Nancy Philpot of Mena, Arkansas. He is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and a large host of friends all over the world. His first BFF (best furry friend), Laci, predeceased him, and his current BFF, Mini, was his faithful companion to the end.

A celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church of Homer, Louisiana at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 7. The family will receive visitors in the church auditorium beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the special care provided by Ms. Betty Swiney, Ms. Cassandra Banks, Drs. Mark and Scott Haynes, and the staff of Claiborne Memorial Medical Center.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Robert Wideman, Jon David Philpot, Jason Tuggle, Taylor Tuggle, and sons-in-law Gary Jordan and Jimmy Tuggle. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Kingdom Men Sunday School Class.

Burial will be held at Arlington Cemetery, Homer, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: (1) Louisiana Baptist Agricultural Missions Fellowship, an organization for which

Nelson served as President for many years. Checks should be made payable to Louisiana Baptist Foundation, designating for “Ag Missions”, and mailed to the attention of Dr. David Morrison, 1312 Ridgeland Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70810; or (2) the “I Love My Church Fund” at First Baptist Church, 406 West Main Street, Homer, LA 71040.

 Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Homer Chapel (318) 927-6110