Edwin Eugene Nelson, 91, Adrian, MO

 

Edwin Eugene Nelson, age 91 of Adrian, Missouri unexpectedly passed away on Thursday February 8, 2024 at his home in Adrian.  A visitation will be held Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Adrian First Baptist Church, Adrian, Missouri.  Memorial services will follow at 11:00 am Saturday, also at the church.  Inurnment will take place in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, Missouri.  Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (816-657-4400).  Memorial contributions may be made to the Adrian First Baptist Church, Homebound Meals, Children’s Mercy, or the Adrian Volunteer Fire Department.  Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

 

He was born on March 29, 1932 in Drexel, Missouri the son of James Nelson and Bernice (Twyman) Nelson. He was a graduate of Adrian High School in 1950. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Military (Army) in Korea. Later, he worked several years at the Bendix Corporation in Kansas City. He graduated from the Pipefitter Apprenticeship and worked as a Pipefitter for several years. He also worked at the power plant in LaCygne, KS and later at the General Motors Leed's Plant in KC. He finished his career at Honeywell as a Pipefitter and later as a Maintenance Planner/Scheduler, where he retired in 1997.

 

On Nov. 9, 1952, he married the love of his life, Doris Clark. They had two sons, Steve & Kevin. He received Jesus as his personal savior at a young age, and until the mid 60's, they lived in the Burdette community where Edwin served in the Burdette Baptist Church. Then hẹ built a horse just north of Adrian and they moved there in 1966. Edwin and Doris lived there until she passed away on December 7, 2002, after 50 years of marriage.

 

Although Doris & Edwin never had grandchildren, they had lots of nieces and nephews who would come to visit them and spend the night. Doris taught them how to craft and cook, and Edwin taught several of them how to drive and how to work and do a quality job they could be proud of. They both enjoyed that very much.

After Doris' death, Edwin would frequently go to the Crescent Hill Cemetery to see Doris' grave and to talk to her. That meant a lot to him through the years.

In early 2018, he shattered his elbow and decided to move into Adrian where he lived his remaining years. He loved going to Yoss' Thrifway Store and the Dollar Store, where he could socialize as well as pick up a few items he needed. His highlight of the week was receiving meals delivered to him by Homebound Meals from the Butler Senior Center. All doctor appointments had to be scheduled around receiving those meals!!

Edwin always enjoyed working with his hands and always had tools nearby as he could fix almost anything. He loved being outside in the fresh air and sunshine. Anyone who knew him knows that he enjoyed anything related to older cars and tractors, and he "collected" any and every thing that he could purchase at a good price. He would not throw anything away. He was very resourceful and made things last. The last few years, Steve spent a lot of time with him and would take him to Butler to do some shopping. When he took him to Wal-Mart, Steve would just leave him in the Hardware aisle just let him shop. Steve said he was like a kid in a toy store. He always had “project” that he wanted to work on. That is what kept him going as he live by himself for 21 years. 

 

Edwin was preceded in death by his parents, James and Bernice Nelson; his wife, Doris Nelson; one brother, Donald Nelson; 2 sisters, Goldie Saathoff and Doris Sherman; one sister-in-law, Maedine Nelson; and two brother-in-laws, Rogers Saathoff and Wayne Sherman; relatives from his wife's side of the family: Roy and Millie Clark, Jean and Denver Stark, Denny Stark, Jerry Clark, Richard Clark, Mici Clark, Joe Clark, & Jeffrey.

 

Survivors include: Steve (Madilyn) Nelson and grand dog Mardy of Belton, MO and Kevin (Cindy) Nelson of Independence, MO as well as numerous nieces/nephews (and their families) in several states.

 

Edwin will be forever remembered and deeply missed.