About Nelson-Putman Propane

The story of Nelson-Putman Propane Gas, Inc. begins in a Farm shop in Emhouse, Texas. Wayne & Judy Nelson, Billy Nelson and Ralph Putman began Nelson-Putman Propane October 4th, 1982 (pictured above). Ralph (far left) and Billy (second from left) were the delivery drivers. Judy (far right) was the one and only office personnel while Wayne (second from the right) began setting tanks and repairing leaks. Mr. & Mrs. Armstrong were the first customers (front & center).

John Nelson, Wayne's father was Manager of Northern Propane Gas Company for 40 years. This happens to be the headquarters for Nelson-Putman Propane today. He had long since retired from the business when Nelson-Putman Propane Gas, Inc. was incorporated October 15th, 1982. John’s reputation for gruffness was only superseded by his generosity which seems to be a family trait and what has laid the foundation of NPP.

In June, 1983, Star-Tex Propane and Nelson-Putman traded areas of customers from Hill to Navarro County. At that time they had three delivery trucks. They delivered propane morning, noon and ALL hours of the night. Nelson Putman Propane purchased Northern Propane in July, 1983. In this purchase, they acquired two servicemen and two additional trucks bringing the total to 5 trucks. Their reputation for servicing tanks day or night had now been established in less than one year in business.

God continued to bless the organization. December 1983 was one of the coldest winters in Navarro County’s history. With this constant growth many sacrifices were made in order to keep up with the financial demands of adding employees, tank purchases and the much needed office equipment. Full lines of appliances (ranges, refrigerators, water coolers, washer/dryers, freezers and heaters) were added shortly after moving into our present location including the servicemen to service them.

In 1985 NPP updated to computers since the personnel could not keep up with hand posting. March of 1986 Nelson-Putman expanded their business, opening another office in Ennis, Texas. Gene Pechal came with that location and still works for Nelson-Putman today as a gas sales delivery driver. Judy and Wayne’s youngest son, Mike, became the manager of this location. It was not long after that, they were devastated when they lost him in a vehicle accident.

August 1991 Suburban Propane Gas sold their company to Nelson-Putman Propane Gas, Inc. In the purchase they acquired the Cedar Creek area along with Bobby Gentry who is still employed with Nelson-Putman as a serviceman/delivery driver.

In 1996 Judy and Wayne’s oldest son, Gary, joined the company and began to learn the business from the ground up. He set tanks, delivered propane, and learned the laws of propane regulations. He is currently Marketing Director for Nelson-Putman Propane Gas, Inc. Gary also serves as Area Director of the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA).

October 2002 Nelson-Putman Propane celebrated their 20th year in business.

NELSON-PUTMAN PROPANE GAS, INC.’s mission in business is to give God the glory, honesty, caring for people and valuing their needs. Hard work is no stranger to the people who make up Nelson-Putman Propane Gas, Inc., which is the other side of success. Thank you for taking the interest in our company and we hope to make you a part of our business family in the near future.