1932
2017
William H. Nelson, 85, of Columbia, MO passed away on Friday, May 12, 2017 at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, MO.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home, Columbia, MO. Funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors.
William was born on March 14, 1932 in Springfield, MO the son of William Luther and Geraldine (Martin) Nelson who preceded him in death. In 1949 he graduated from Clever High School. He was married on July 1, 1951 in Nixa, MO to Kathryn Louise Gamble who survives of the home. He served in the US Navy from 1951 to 1955 on USS Dionysus and was a Korean War Veteran. William was a Union Local #36 sheet metal worker, welder, realtor and local business owner. He loved music and enjoyed playing the steel guitar and dobro and also played in the Medallions. He was a member of the Twilight & Acacia Lodge where he was a 32 Degree Mason and Shriner. He was a great outdoorsman, enjoyed many Texan winters at the beach and most importantly a Paw Paw to all.
Other survivors include: five children, Deborah Leslie (Ronald), Diana Triplett (Michael), Danette Anderson (Mark), Andrew Nelson (Rebecca) and Dawn Sapp; one brother, Leo Nelson (Erlene), 11 grandsons, 4 granddaughters and 15 great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Eddie Nelson and two infant grandsons, John Christopher Leslie and Donald William Cook.
Memorials may be made to Twilight & Acacia Lodge, 3 N Masonic Dr, Columbia, MO 65202.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Memorial Funeral Home/Columbia.
May 17, 2017
Gloria Douglas-McCubbin
I would like to tell the family I am so sorry for their loss. Bill was an awesome man. My brother Bobbie played with him in the Medallions. A memory Bill ask me to run for Boone County Queen & his business would sponsor me. It was Hubbard Heating & Air Conditioning. I did & it was such a learning experience I will never forget! Didn't win but Bill ask me to run for him the next year! I thanked him but I learned that the Queen to be needed to have 4-H experience. So I turned him down but he told me he thought I should win cause he thought I was so pretty! Love him so much & to this day my favorite instrument is the steel guitar! Kathy I'm so sorry for your loss! He was such a wonderful man! I loved him & my Mom & Dad loved him! So kind, gentle & just a prince of a man! Hugs to you Kathy & kids! Love you all, Gloria
May 15, 2017
Thomas Church
To the family of "Willie" as I liked to call him, my sincere and deepest condolences. It means the world to me that you took the time to inform me of his passing. I will miss the conversations I had with him when he would come to Gerbes to chat with me. It touches my heart that he cherished our conversations as much as I did. Thomas E. Church
May 14, 2017
Tom & Nancy Kinyon
May 14, 2017
Andrew Nelson
May 13, 2017
Your Favorite Daughter in Law.... ❤
Our Sweet Sweet Paw Paw.... will be Greatly Missed Everyday...
May 13, 2017
Cindy Flickinger
To all the Nelson Family - I am so sorry that you lost such an amazing man. Uncle Bill was one of the most generous kind souls I've ever met. He loved his family and friends with his his entire heart and had such a contagious smile. Please know how much he will be missed. I love you all SO MUCH!!
May 13, 2017
Your Favorite Daughter in Law.... ❤
Our Sweet Paw Paw.... Will miss you dearly...
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Funeral services provided by:
Memorial Funeral Home/Columbia1217 BUSINESS LOOP 70 W, Columbia, MO 65202
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more