By GARETT VALCOURT
The unexpected and tragic plane crash in Wyoming July 26, has left the gospel music community and beyond in mourning. Among the seven victims were three beloved members of The Nelons, a quartet that was inducted into the Gospel Music Association (GMA) Hall of Fame in 2016. Kelly Nelon Clark, co-founder of The Nelons, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler were all aboard the ill-fated flight. Also perishing in the crash were Nathan Kistler, Amber’s husband, family friend Melodi Hodges, and Larry and Melissa Haynie.
The Nelons have long been recognized for their outstanding contributions to gospel music, having won 10 GMA Dove Awards, including multiple Song of the Year and Album of the Year honors. Their influence stretched far beyond the music industry, touching the lives of countless individuals, including students at Holmes County High School.
Rickey Ward, head of the Holmes County High School Drama Department, expressed the deep sense of loss felt within the school community. “As you have probably heard by now, three members from the gospel group, The Nelons, were involved in a fatal plane crash last Friday. There are no words to explain the devastation. Jason, Kelly, and Amber were not only extremely talented but had a heart for young people,” Ward stated.
The connection between The Nelons and Holmes County High School was more than just musical admiration. Ward recounted how Amber Nelon Kistler had taken a special interest in the school’s drama students. “While our students were singing, Amber was recording them and sending it to Bill and Gloria Gaither. They were all impressed with the talent of our students,” Ward noted. The encouragement and recognition from such esteemed figures in the gospel music world were a source of immense pride and motivation for the students.
The loss of Kelly, Jason, and Amber has created a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew them, particularly the young people they inspired. Their legacy, however, will continue to resonate through the lives they touched, the music they created, and the encouragement they provided to the next generation of artists.
The Holmes County High School Drama Department, along with the broader community, will forever remember The Nelons for their kindness, their dedication to nurturing young talent, and their unwavering commitment to sharing their faith through music. “Jason, Kelly, and Amber will forever be missed,” Ward concluded, echoing the sentiments of all who had the privilege of knowing them.
KINSLEY COOK 
COLLIN BREAUX 