"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Some people you meet in life bring light and genuine love whenever they're around. Ashton "Cutter" Nelson was one of those people. Born to his beloved mother, Barbie Helmer on September 25, 1995 in Abilene, Texas, he was her only son.

His nickname speaks volumes of his character. He 'cut' through adversity, setting an example for his siblings and those around him. He also cut through racial division, bridging the gap even more in the communities in which he was well known.

The eldest of five, Ashton was a prime example of a big brother. Protective, nurturing and caring, he was the brother all girls would love to have.  Though he was their brother, he cared for them with the wisdom and gentleness of a loving father figure.  While there were many, two of his proudest moments came when he escorted his sister across the field for Haynesville High School's Homecoming and when he became an uncle for the first time. Some of his greatest times came by making his sisters happy and spending quality time with them.

Reared in the town he loved dearly, Haynesville, Louisiana, he attended grade schools, then graduated with honors from Haynesville High School in 2014. In typical Cutter style, he didn't just graduate, he left his mark on the faculty and student body. He helped the illustrious Golden Tornado Football team win two state championships, along with one state title for the Tornado Track Team. He was also a member of the Tornado Baseball Team.  Ashton's abilities stretched beyond the field, as he was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and kept a good balance between academics and athletics.

Ashton's inner light and jovial personality were magnetic, making him quite popular and respected among young and old alike.  To know him, was to love him. To have him as a family member or friend was to have a loyal, trusting and genuine person in your corner. This kind of light was not phony, nor requested anything in return, it was who he was and what made him the standout, standup guy he was.  He lived a free, fun loving life, finding time frequently to eat at his favorite restaurant, Applebee's or indulging in his favorite foods: greens, Chinese food, and pizza. When he wasn't working at Continental Plastics, he could be found playing PS4, spending time with his special love, family and friends.

His earthly light was unexpectedly extinguished on December 16, 2019, but the many warm and enjoyable memories will remain in the hearts of those left to honor his memory.  They include: his sisters: Aly Teague; Abilene, TX, Lorin Taylor; Haynesville, LA, Morgan Taylor; Abilene, TX, Bailee Taylor, Aspermont, TX. A special Aunt and Uncle: Melissa Wright and Nick Wright of Haynesville, LA, Best Friend/Brother: Dantae Sturges; Haynesville, LA. Girlfriend and forever love, Billydia Ellis; Homer, LA; Grandparents Buddy (Julie) Criswell of Haynesville, LA; Brenda Helmer of Abilene TX, Gwen Torres of Abilene, TX. Aunts/Uncles: Brenda Lee Garrett and Uncle TJ Helmer of Abilene, TX, Stacy Tims; Dixie Inn, LA, Jennifer Morris; Homer, LA, Randall Tims; Minden, LA, and Steven Tims; Minden, LA, one nephew: Brock Teague of Abilene, TX, along with a plethora of friends, extended family and the entire Tornado Family.