Jack Nelson

Darnell W. "Jack" Nelson, 84, of Jackson died Thursday, July 17, 2014, at his home.

He was born July 10, 1930, in Ozan, Arkansas, son of Darnell and Nollie Mae Clark Nelson.

Jack confessed hope in Christ at an early age under L.J. Nabors in Sikeston, Missouri. Later he joined New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau under Joseph G. Cotton Jr.

He and Annie Lee Burrage were married in 1951. To this union one son, Earnest Nelson, was born.

Jack was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953.

Returning from the war, Jack became involved with farming and worked for the late Paul and Alice Fisher in Sikeston and Malden, Missouri, until the late 1990s. He then continued to work for Paul (deceased) and Peggy Fisher in Jackson until his death.

He leaves to cherish his memory a son, Ernest L. Nelson of Sikeston; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Lee Junior Nelson; a sister-in-law, Lenora Nelson of Indianapolis; and a sister, Ophelia Nelson of Dalton, Illinois.

Jack raised five children of the White family from Sikeston. A host of cousins, nephews, nieces and many friends will miss him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Annie; his parents; four brothers, L.C. Nelson, Lee Keepers, Henry B. Nelson and Lyndell Moore; and a sister, Willie Lee Smith.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time Saturday at New Bethel Church in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral will be at noon Saturday at the church, with Joseph Cotton Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Sikeston, with full military honors by Missouri Honors Team.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be given to New Bethel Church.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.