Obituary for Howard Nelson Sr.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Howard (Buddy) Edward Nelson Sr., a beloved
husband, father, and grandfather, who passed away peacefully at home at the age of 87 on January 8,
2023. Born in Wheatfield, IN on December 31, 1935, Howard was the son of the late Jot and Mattie
(Howard) Nelson. He was one of 14 children.
Howard was a proud veteran of the National Guard, serving from 1953 to 1957, and a patriot who loved
to fly the American flag. Howard was of the Christian faith who lived his life with integrity and kindness. He had a big heart and generous spirit, always putting the needs of his family before his own. A devoted husband, father, grandpa, and his love for his family knew no bounds. Howard had a talent for storytelling and loved nothing more than regaling his family and friends with tales of his adventures and experiences.
Throughout his life, Howard was a man of many talents and held a variety of jobs, including steel mill
worker, farmer, truck driver, and construction developer. He was a hardworking and dedicated man,
who always gave his all to whatever he did. Howard was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan. He loved gardening and growing flowers. He also loved to sing, even though he wasn't always on key. His love of music and joy for life will be remembered by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Beverly Nelson, who passed away in 2009 after 53
years of marriage. And one grandson, David Howard Jones.
Howard was a devoted father and is survived by his children Cynthia (Wayne) Vanover (Dale, IN),
Jonathan (Olesya) Nelson (LaPorte, IN), Howard E. Nelson Jr. (Nampa, ID), Cheryl Misch (Fort Myers, FL),
Mattie (Steve) Kearney (Wheatfield, IN), and Kelly Jones (Lafayette, IN). his two sisters Doris Thorne (Hobart, IN) and Beverly Wireman (Rensselaer, IN), as well a host of nephews and nieces. He was blessed with 27
grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.
After Beverly's passing, Howard found love again and married Kathleen Wetzel in 2010. He is also
survived by his step children Jim Wetzel (Holts Summit, MO), Scott Wetzel (Lamar, IN), and Ruth Mary
(Matt) Wetzel (Stevensville, MT). Howard was a loving grandfather to his 5 step-grandchildren.
Howard will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and all those
whose lives he touched. May he rejoice with his loved ones in heaven.
Per Howard’s wishes cremation was chosen and a private burial will take place on Saturday, March 25, 2023. The family would like to invite those who knew Howard to a carry in luncheon on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 12:00pm at the Jasper County Fairgrounds.
Frazier Funeral Home and Cremation Services have been entrusted with arrangements
husband, father, and grandfather, who passed away peacefully at home at the age of 87 on January 8,
2023. Born in Wheatfield, IN on December 31, 1935, Howard was the son of the late Jot and Mattie
(Howard) Nelson. He was one of 14 children.
Howard was a proud veteran of the National Guard, serving from 1953 to 1957, and a patriot who loved
to fly the American flag. Howard was of the Christian faith who lived his life with integrity and kindness. He had a big heart and generous spirit, always putting the needs of his family before his own. A devoted husband, father, grandpa, and his love for his family knew no bounds. Howard had a talent for storytelling and loved nothing more than regaling his family and friends with tales of his adventures and experiences.
Throughout his life, Howard was a man of many talents and held a variety of jobs, including steel mill
worker, farmer, truck driver, and construction developer. He was a hardworking and dedicated man,
who always gave his all to whatever he did. Howard was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan. He loved gardening and growing flowers. He also loved to sing, even though he wasn't always on key. His love of music and joy for life will be remembered by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Beverly Nelson, who passed away in 2009 after 53
years of marriage. And one grandson, David Howard Jones.
Howard was a devoted father and is survived by his children Cynthia (Wayne) Vanover (Dale, IN),
Jonathan (Olesya) Nelson (LaPorte, IN), Howard E. Nelson Jr. (Nampa, ID), Cheryl Misch (Fort Myers, FL),
Mattie (Steve) Kearney (Wheatfield, IN), and Kelly Jones (Lafayette, IN). his two sisters Doris Thorne (Hobart, IN) and Beverly Wireman (Rensselaer, IN), as well a host of nephews and nieces. He was blessed with 27
grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.
After Beverly's passing, Howard found love again and married Kathleen Wetzel in 2010. He is also
survived by his step children Jim Wetzel (Holts Summit, MO), Scott Wetzel (Lamar, IN), and Ruth Mary
(Matt) Wetzel (Stevensville, MT). Howard was a loving grandfather to his 5 step-grandchildren.
Howard will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and all those
whose lives he touched. May he rejoice with his loved ones in heaven.
Per Howard’s wishes cremation was chosen and a private burial will take place on Saturday, March 25, 2023. The family would like to invite those who knew Howard to a carry in luncheon on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 12:00pm at the Jasper County Fairgrounds.
Frazier Funeral Home and Cremation Services have been entrusted with arrangements