William "Bill" Wesley Nelson was born September 16, 1942, in Norton County, KS, the son of Harold Wesley and Edna B. (Shelton) Nelson. Bill passed away Friday, July 1, 2022, in Denver, Colorado, at the age of 79.
Bill grew up in rural Norton County and attended school in Calvert through 8th grade. He then attended Norton school and graduated with the class of 1960. Bill planned to attend mechanical school but was called to active duty with the National Guard at Fort Riley, KS.
Bill returned to Norton and worked for Gall Motor Company when he met the love of his life Doris Darlene (Rogers) Nelson. They were married on January 1, 1964, 6 short months after meeting, and started a life of 58 years together, which included four children, Blake, Blain, Melissa, and Amy.
Bill was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Norton I.O.O.F, American Legion, Jaycees, and the Norton Christian Church. He was also an honorary member of the Eagles Riders. Bill made numerous friends throughout his life, and they all held a special place in his heart. He was "Pa" or "grandpa" to many of them. Bill retired from Norton County Road and Bridge in 2020.
Bill enjoyed outdoor life, fishing, camping, attending Eagles events, dancing, and watching Chiefs football games so he could call his "grandson", Mark Cleveland afterwards. He was proud of his hard work and honesty. He believed in a handshake and stood by his word.
Bill loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, but his greatest love was his sweetheart and wife, "Ma."
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, son Blake Nelson, and two brothers-in-law, Richard Rule and Harold Bittel.
He is survived by his wife, Doris Nelson, son Blain Nelson, two daughters, Melissa (Brian) McMullen, and Amy Coffey. One sister Elaine Rule, four sisters-in-law, Donna Bittel, Daloris (Charles) Alexander, and Geraldine (Phillip) Loughry. Six grandchildren, Coady (Breanna) McMullen, Chance (Kaylynn) McMullen, Cristine (Daniel) McClure, Kayla (Jake) Branch, Zach Coffey, and Nathan Nelson. Five great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Tyler, Case, Baylee, and Aria McMullen. Many other relatives and friends.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 9, 2022, at the Norton Christian Church, 208 North Kansas Ave., Norton, KS. Fellowship will follow after the service at the Norton Eagles Lodge, 16614 Eagles RD, Norton, KS. The family will greet family and friends on Friday, July 8, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Norton Eagles Lodge.
Memorials may be given to the University of Iowa Diabetes Research and can be sent in care of All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS 66967. www.allfaithsfuneralchapel.com