He was born May 16, 1915, in Pomona, the son of Roy W. and Winifred (Lane) Nelson. He graduated from Pomona High School in 1934.

He was a farmer and cattleman, as well as an auctioneer for more than 55 years. Mr. Nelson was a member of the McKinley Masonic Lodge No. 41, A.F. & A.M. He was a 32nd degree Mason in the Scottish Rite Consistry, and a member of the Pomona United Methodist Church.

Mr. Nelson married Golden Waneita Brown on Dec. 24, 1937, in Burlington. She died March 27, 2001.

Survivors include a daughter, Joyce Phillipi, Mission; two sons, Ralph, Olathe and Bernard, Overland Park; a sister, Mary Alice Mealman, Ottawa; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 5 p.m. Sunday until service time at Dengel & Son Mortuary, where the family will receive friends from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday.

The family suggests memorials to Pomona United Methodist Church or North Care Hospice, sent in care of the mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa 66067.