Richard W. Nelson

January 14, 1925 - July 11, 2019

Richard W. Nelson, 94, of Galesburg, Illinois passed away Thursday, July 11, 2019 at 6:43 PM at the OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg. Richard was born January 14, 1925 in Galesburg, the son of Robert W. Nelson and E. Loreda (Anderson) Nelson. He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1943. Shortly after graduation he joined the United States Navy. He began his training at Great Lakes and later continued his training at Purdue University where he studied to be an electrician. He then served aboard the USS Markab as a Destroyer Tender until 1946. He married LaJune Tribler on February 14, 1947 in Galesburg. She preceded him in death on July 15, 2010. Richard was a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially baseball. He loved feeding his birds, squirrels, and doing yard work. He was very proud of the house they built in 1950 and moved into in 1951. He was able to live there until June 24, 2019. He was also proud of the fact that he was still able drive his car at the age of 94. He is survived by his son, David Nelson of Galesburg, brother and sister in law, Bill and Marilyn Welch, and 6 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife and parents. Special thanks to his neighbors who kept an eye on him for the last few years, and to the nursing staff at OSF St Mary Medical Center. The sweetest man of the greatest generation is gone. Cremation rites will be accorded with the Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home and Crematory in Knoxville, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Knox County Humane Society in Galesburg.