Nelson V. Rogers Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Nelson Vern Rogers, age 84 peacefully passed with family by his side in Tulsa on Thursday, December 31, 2020. He was the owner of Tulsa's iconic restaurant, Nelson's Bufferteria. Nelson was a tremendously loved personality, and genuine friend to scores of Tulsans. Nelson was born on October 23, 1936 to Nelson and Joyce Rogers of Tulsa. He grew up downtown and graduated from Central High School in the class of '55 and was on his way to becoming a Tulsa institution; much like his father Nelson Sr. who founded Nelson's in the 1920's. He went to college at Westminster, Univ. of Ok, and Tulsa University. Following graduation, Nelson met and married Paula Suzanne Galloway of Sand Springs. They actually met at the Buffeteria and married in Tulsa in 1960. Shortly after, they began a family and moved to Bartlesville and Kansas where he had a career in banking; culminating in bank president in Osborn, Kansas. Nelson and his family returned to Oklahoma in 1976 to take over Nelson's to continue the famous legacy of Nelson's Buffeteria until 2004. Nelson had many passions, he was a fan of cinema, a spectator of ALL sports, and his favorite was playing golf and would daily pick up a round at Tulsa Country Club and many other courses with his golfing buddies. He loved playing all of the racquet sports and basketball at the downtown YMCA and was involved in every aspect of Tulsa downtown. His strong Christian beliefs guided his family in faith and loved being involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Nelson was a devoted husband, father, brother, coach and friend to many. He especially took pride in watching his children participate in sports activities and was never too shy to give a tip or to or talk with the coach. He was a great influence and inspiration to his children and friends. The restaurant was a hub for many Tulsa business men and was the place to be for lunch. He always greeted the customers with a huge smile and his laugh was contagious. He would always say, "Tell 'em where you got it, it has to be good." People constantly tell us of his warmth, love, and affection he had towards others and virtually to anyone who ever met him. The man who never had an enemy, a friend to all, has ascended to his rightful place; God Bless Nelson V. Rogers of Tulsa, Oklahoma and his impact of his tremendous beneficence and good will and exuberance to our fine city! Nelson is survived by his wife of 60 years, Paula Suzanne and four children: Jody Rogers, Nelson Barry Rogers, Steven Rogers and granddaughter, Savanna of Tulsa, Jamie Rogers Caldwell / Scott Caldwell and grandchildren Sean, Jack, and Michael of Scottsdale, AZ. A family graveside burial will be held in Haskell, OK and a celebration of life will be held on Thursday, January 7th at 2 pm in Moore's Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E. 51st Street, Tulsa. The service will be webcast beginning 2pm, January 7th at www.moorefuneral.com. Go to Nelson's obituary page for the webcast link just prior to 2pm on the 7th. The webcast video will remain on Nelson's obituary page for a minimum of 45 days.

Nelson V. Rogers

October 23, 1936 - December 31, 2020