Cecil Nelson

Mr. Cecil W. Nelson, age 95 of Avoca, IA and formerly of Henderson, Iowa and Macedonia, Iowa, died Friday, June 27, 2008 at the Avoca Nursing and Rehab Center.

Cecil Washington Nelson, one of eight children of Elsie Agnes (Hopkins) and George Washington Nelson, was born on January 23, 1913 in Malta Bend, Saline County, Missouri. He grew up and attended school through the eighth grade in Henderson, Iowa. In the 1930's and 1940's, Cecil was a non-union employee of the railroad and worked on steam engines.

Cecil and Sarah Morris of Henderson, Iowa were married and were parents to six children, Marvin, Melvin, Karen, Connie, Herbert and Stanley.

Cecil and Naomi Frances McClain were united in marriage on December 27, 1950 in Missouri. They made their home in Southwest Iowa and their marriage was blessed with two children, LaDonna Jo and Terry Lee. Cecil farmed until his retirement in January 1964.

Cecil was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Macedonia. He enjoyed gardening and yard work, helping and visiting with others and sharing how his faith in Jesus guided him throughout his life. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a friendly, outgoing and loving person to know.

Cecil and Naomi had been married 46 years when Naomi died on February 26, 1996. Following her death, Cecil moved to Harlan, Iowa and later moved to Avoca, Iowa. He passed away at the Avoca Nursing Home on June 27, 2008, at the age of 95 years, 5 months, and 4 days.

Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, George Nelson and Agnes Nelson-Harland; his wife Naomi Nelson; daughter Karen Hansen and her husband Charles; son Terry Nelson; son-in-law Danny Reasons and grandson Stanley Reasons; brothers, Kenneth Nelson, Harold Nelson and Lawrence "Buck" Nelson and his wife Ruth; sisters Gladys "Irene" Richards and her husband Ira, Patricia Ives, and infant sister Nina Nelson.

Cecil is survived by his children, LaDonna Conroy and her husband Jerry of Avoca, IA; sons, Marvin Nelson, Melvin Nelson and wife Eileen, Herbert Nelson and Stanley Nelson and Connie Reasons, all of California; brother, Leonard Nelson and his wife Carolyn of Highland, California; special niece, Maxine Wills of Villisca, IA; daughter-in-law, Celeste Nelson of Treynor, IA; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Cecil was special in his ways, loved very much and will be missed dearly.

Burial in Wheeler Grove Cemetery near Carson, Iowa.