Amos Nelson

Amos Sever Nelson, 88, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Sept. 1, 2008, at his home.

He was born June 26, 1920, in Bagley, Minn., the son of Sever and Julia LaFontaine Nelson. He and Christine Garner were married in 1946 in Bemidji, Minn. She preceded him in death Dec. 4, 2002. He later married Lois Stitt May 21, 2005, in Bollinger County, Mo.

Nelson served in the Coast Guard from Aug. 15, 1941, to June 27, 1946. During World War II, he served in North Africa and the Pacific Theater. He received ribbons of service for American Defense, American Area, Asiatic-Pacific Area, European-African-Middle East Area. He also received a Bronze Star, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and World War II Victory Medal.

After marrying, Nelson lived in Cape Girardeau. He worked for Kimbel Trucking, which later became ABF He retired in 1984 and then went to work with Jim Goggin, where he could continue to stay active and pursue his great love of horses. Square dancing, hunting, fishing and camping gave him pleasure over many years, and he developed many friendships along the way.

In his later years he turned his heart to God, which brought him great comfort. He was a nondenominational Christian.

Survivors include his wife, Lois Nelson of Cape Girardeau; three daughters, Connie S. (David) Copsy of Cape Girardeau, Christie M. (Michael) Middleton of Dallas, Kim G. (David) Crouch of Aberdeen, Md.; three stepsons, Nathan Stitt of Jefferson City, Mo., John Stitt of Georgia, Anthony Stitt of Missouri; two stepdaughters, Crystal Turbeville of Florida, Jenny Kent of Patton, Mo.; two sisters, Erma Hoseth and Elsie Ferrie of Minnesota; 12 grandchildren; seven stepgrandchildren; and seven great- grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife; parents; a son, Jerald Amos Nelson; a daughter, Donna G. Burkett Ritter; two brothers, Julius and Donald Nelson.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Robert Eberhardt officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park with graveside military rites provided by Missouri Honors Team.

Memorials may be made to Southeast Hospice.