Robert Nelson
August 21, 1942 — April 14, 2015
Robert Joel Nelson, 72, of Carmi, passed away on April 14, 2015. He was born August 21, 1942, the son of David R. and Tessie E. (Thomas) Nelson. Robert married the love of his life, Leah Rae Ziegler on July 15th, 1961 and celebrated nearly 52 years of marriage before she passed away in 2013. Robert and Leah had two children, Tony Nelson and Debbie Nelson.
Robert was an avid traveler and enjoyed many trips, which included visiting several National Parks with his children and grandchildren. He last attended Emmanuel United Methodist of Carmi. Robert attended Carmi schools and then worked for his family's business, Nelson Midwest Contractors, before founding Nelson Pipe & Supply Inc. and serving as its President.
Robert is survived by a daughter, Debbie Nelson and a son, Tony and his wife, Sarah (Pereboom) Nelson of Carmi; also grandchildren, Tessie Nelson of Evansville, IN , Todd and his wife, Catherine (Ong) Nelson of Las Vegas, NV, Andrew Nelson and his fiancAC., Molly Lott of Louisville, KY; and companion, Kathy Brooks of Carmi. He is also survived by sisters Joe Ann Beeson and her husband, Jack of Edmond, OK (nephew David), June Walker and her husband, Richard of Antlers, OK (niece Barbara and nephew Bobby); a brother, Elwood Nelson and his wife, Ruth of Antlers, OK (nieces Peggy, Jimmie, and Suzie and nephew Butch); a niece, Jody Witzel of Oklahoma City, OK and a niece, Lea Ann Richmond and nephews, Jeff Nelson and Steve Nelson. Surviving sisters-in-law, include Donna Abshier of Findlay, OH (niece Liz and nephew Mike) and Rita Wilson and her husband, Tom of Upper Tract, WV (nephews Scott and Jace) and Betty Nelson of Carmi.
Those preceding him in death are his parents David R. and Tessie E. Nelson; brothers Pat Nelson of Carmi and David Nelson and nephew, Tom Nelson, both of Antlers, OK a nephew, Bill Bingman of Rock Springs, WY; sisters-in-law, Benny Nelson of Antlers, OK and Grace Nelson of Oklahoma City, OK; and a brother-in-law, Joe Abshier of Findlay, OH.
Graveside funeral and burial services for Robert J. Nelson, 72, of Carmi, will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Maple Ridge Cemetery in Carmi with Rev. Steve Nelson officiating. Friends may call on Saturday, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi who is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial gifts may be given in Robert's name to Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Carmi and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home.