Arthur "Red" N. Nelson Sr.

Arthur “Red” N. Nelson Sr., 91, of Hoopeston, passed away at 8:30 a.m. Monday, September 16, 2019, Iroquois Memorial Hospital, in Watseka.

Red was born on April 15, 1928, in Chicago, the son of George D. and Rose Mary (Wiengart) Nelson.  He married Marjorie Malott in September of 1948 and later married Florence Elizabeth Schinkey on December 31, 1955, in Danville.  She preceded him in death on December 23, 1992. 

He is survived by one daughter- Rosanne (Terry Chandler) Coffman of Hoopeston; seven grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, three sons- Don, George and Nick Nelson; one daughter- Theresa “Sissy” Nelson; one brother and four sisters.

Red served in the United States Navy from 1946 to 1948 and later served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955.  He worked for several years as an equipment operator at Chanute Air Force Base, in Rantoul, until his retirement in 1971.  He later worked as a custodian and bus driver for Hoopeston Schools, until he retired in 1991.  Red was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, American Legion Post #384, VFW Post #4826 and Am Vets, in Rantoul.  He enjoyed walking, doing yardwork, helping others and spending time with his friends.  Red was a great storyteller and he never forgot a face.  He also enjoyed watching train and tractor shows and his cats and dog-Tiger. 

A Celebration of Arthur “Red” N. Nelson Sr’s Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 20, 2019, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, with Pastor Phillip Callahan officiating.  Burial will follow the service in Rankin Union Cemetery, with full military honors conducted by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384.  Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, at Blurton Funeral Home.  Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or the Hoopeston American Legion.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Red’s life.  Memories or condolences may be sent to the family on his everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

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