Elwood Nelson

Herold Elwood Nelson, aged 95, of Antlers, Oklahoma, passed away suddenly on November 25, 2021. This loss left family and friends shocked and deeply saddened.

Elwood was born on August 20, 1926, at the old homestead in Antlers. He was the second son of David R. And Tessie E. (Thomas) Nelson. The family lived in various locations following the oil industry. He graduated high school in Poseyville, Indiana. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with honor in Germany and France during World War II. After the war, he married Benny Robb on July 26, 1947. Elwood, his father, and older brother, David, founded Nelson Midwest Contractor, Inc. in Carmi, Illinois, in 1947. Elwood and Benny moved to Carmi and had four children. The business moved in 1969 to Healdton, Oklahoma. In 1974, he retired and returned to Antlers, where he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening. Following the death of Benny in 1981, he later met and married Ruth Neese. They lived together until Ruth’s death in 2018.

Elwood was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Benny and Ruth; his brothers: David, Pat, and Robert; in-laws: Grace Nelson, Leah Nelson, Lois and Charlie Bennett, Mary and Brick Robb, Everett Robb, Cubby Robb, Robert Raglin, Richard Walker, and Jack Beeson; nephews: Tom Nelson, Bill Bingman, David Mead Bingman, and George Bennett; niece, Rita Kincaid; step-daughter, Cindy Rosson; and step-granddaughter, Ami Standridge.

He is survived by his sisters, June Walker and Jo Ann Beeson; sister-in-law, Betty Nelson; children: Peggy Nelson, Jimmie (Steve) Mallette, Susie (Dale) Stewart, Butch Nelson, and Jody Witzel; grandchildren: Tim Stewart, Jymme Dawn (Curtis Moody) Stewart, Lauri (Jonathan) Pesavento, Doug Mallette, Ross Witzel, and Jennifer (Mat) Lee; his great-grandchildren: Camren Metcalf, Gracie Denney, Trent Denney, and Tyson Pesavento; and all of his greatly loved nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by step-children: David Neese, Stephen Neese, Peggy (John) Amos, Bonnie Neese, and Tessa Brown, and a host of step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and friends.

A celebration of life was held 12 PM Tuesday, November 30, 2021 with burial in the Nelson Chapel cemetery, Antlers, Oklahoma.

Services are under the direction of Serenity Funeral Service in Antlers, Oklahoma.
 

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