A Celebration of Life for Mr. Leo Franklin Nelson, 64, of Monroe, LA, will be held at 10:00AM Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church with Rev. Michael Thang’Wa and Rev. Peter Mangham officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00PM until 6:00PM on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, with a Rosary following at 6:00PM at Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Rd. Monroe, LA.

Leo Franklin Nelson, 64 passed away suddenly leaving behind a legacy as large as his heart and as unforgettable as his presence. On March 31, 1961, in Lake Providence, Louisiana, Leo was the fifth child born to Eleanor and Hyland Nelson. From an early age, he lived life fully, a trait that would define him in every season of his life, just ask any of his friends from childhood.

Leo attended and graduated from Briarfield Academy before continuing his education at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business. It was there that he met the love of his life and lifelong companion, Janice “Jan” Rivet. Following graduation, the two were married in July of 1983, beginning a partnership built on love, laughter, and adventure.

Leo and Jan settled in Tallulah, Louisiana, where they started their family, welcomed two beautiful daughters, and built a home filled with music, friends, and joy. Leo began his banking career at the Louisiana Land Bank before being recruited by John Ulmer and mentored by Edgar Mounger to work at Southern National Bank. He simultaneously attended banking school at LSU in Baton Rouge, quickly distinguishing himself through his natural leadership, charisma, and genuine care for people. These qualities led to an exceptional career in banking, paired with a deep commitment to community service.

Truly “larger than life,” Leo was a 6’4” gentle giant with unmatched wit and an extraordinary ability to meet people exactly where they were. He was an incredible friend, trusted advisor, and the life of any gathering. His laughter was infectious, his presence magnetic, and his optimism unwavering.

A devoted music enthusiast, Leo could always get a room on its feet. A self-proclaimed “bluesologist,” he served as a judge for the International Blues Heritage organization for 17 years and was instrumental in founding a blues society in North Louisiana. He was a founding member of the Ouachita River Blues Society (ORBS) and a passionate supporter of the arts everywhere he lived.

Leo’s friendships spanned far and wide, reaching from all over North Louisiana to Shell Beach. From Helena, Arkansas and the White River, to Memphis, Tennessee, Oklahoma, California, Washington, D. C., you name it- he had an infinite amount of friends. His family often joked that they couldn’t go anywhere without running into someone who knew Leo. Easily spotted in a crowd, he was impossible to forget and even harder to lose connection with. He always had an extra festival chair for anyone who needed a seat at the nearest musical venue. A proud Louisianan- the King of Mardi Gras, an avid fisherman, honorary “Lake Providence School of Engineering” magna cum laude, financial titan, ACTS band member, chef, movie fanatic, and above all, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend — Leo did it all. He truly milked every single minute out of life, often reminding those around him that “you can sleep when you die.”

Leo Franklin Nelson will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though gone too soon from this world, he leaves behind an enormous hole in the hearts of many and a legacy of joy, generosity, and living life to the fullest.

Leo was preceded by his parents, Hyland Richard Nelson and Eleanor Madeline Keller Nelson; brothers-in-law, Charles Herring and Chuck Collingwood; and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Betty and Bob Rivet.

Survivors include his wife, Janice Rivet Nelson; daughters, Abi Nelson Banks and husband Hutton and Emily Nelson Rogers and husband William (Billy) H. Rogers; brothers, William Richard Nelson and wife Sherry Copeland Nelson and David H. Nelson and wife Jan McBride Nelson; two sisters, Madeline Nelson Herring and Olivia Nelson Hawkins and husband W.E. (Skip) Hawkins; sister-in-law, Debbe Collingwood; brother-in-law, Douglas Rivet; three grandchildren, Nelson William Rogers, Hattie Grace Banks, and Lillian Marie Banks, and numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of other family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to ORBS (Ouachita River Blues Society).