To the editor:

With the passing of R. Wayne Nelson, Lawrence High School choral music teacher for many years, the Lawrence community has lost a man of character, grace and quality. My LHS class of 1965 just finished its 40th reunion but, at our 35th reunion five years ago, some of us who sang a cappella in high school visited and sang for him at Brandon Woods. His eyesight may have dimmed, but his piano playing had not. I told him he needed to get an agent and go on the road!

Mr. Nelson exposed a generation of Lawrence students, including me, to the value of quality choral music. I also recall being in his class just after lunch on Nov. 22, 1963, when we heard the news from Dallas of John Kennedy’s assassination. Music continues to be an important part of my life, and I have Mr. Nelson to thank in part for that.

Jack Manahan,

Peoria, Ill.