John William Nelson

Of Wideman, Arkansas

John William Nelson, son of the late Andrew Leo Nelson and Clella Corene Dickinson, was born July 8, 1936 in St. Claire, Missouri.  He departed this life January 11, 2023 in Jonesboro, Arkansas at the age of 86 years, 6 months and 3 days.  He was united in marriage to Peggyjane Samantha Murphy and together they lived in Violet Hill until her death in 2002.  John spent his life as a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, provider and friend. Most of his working years were spent as a farmer who enjoyed working around his farm and raising cattle. He had various business ventures such as a gas stations, trailer park and cabins in Wyoming.  He enjoyed Fox News, conservative talk radio and home cooked meals. His favorite saying was "if there is a will, there's a way".    He was of the Baptist faith and a member of First Baptist Church in Calico Rock.

He is survived by three sons: Paul Nelson and wife Mary of Mountain Home, Robert Nelson and wife Tiffanie of Wiseman and John Nelson, Jr. and wife Cindy of Bradenton, Florida; four daughters:  Clella Kathryn Nelson of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Faith Ann Burdick and husband Mark Waller of Missouri, Debby Bailey of Batesville and Lesa Kaiser of Kentucky; sixteen grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; numerous great great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and many good friends.   John was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one son:  John Nelson; one sister:  Margaret; one granddaughter:  Allie and one grandson:  Taylor Burdick.

Visitation and funeral service will be Saturday, January 14 at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne.  Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m.  Funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Kevin Bishop officiating.  Burial will follow at Old Philadelphia Cemetery under the direction of Eddie's Family Funeral Home.

Pallbearers:  John Nelson, Jr, Casey Tate, Cole Tate, Zachary Bailey, Chuck Tate,  Robert Nelson.

Memorials may be made to:  Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, 1148 E. Matthews Ave., Jonesboro, Arkansas  72401