Melvin Gerald Nelson, age 88, Branson, Missouri

Melvin Gerald Nelson was born December 31, 1933 in Sugar Grove, IL to Ervin & Louise Nelson.  He was one of seven children and was a farm boy, growing up on his family’s farm.  In 1954, he went into specialized trucking with White Brothers Trucking Co.  Melvin drove oversized loads across forty-eight states, Canada and Mexico.  Specialized hauling including oversized crane parts, concrete and steel beams on pole trailers for the Interstate Highway system in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana.  These beams were often over 100 feet long weighing up to 100,000 pounds.  He also served eight years as a Navy Reserve Sailor.

On October 23, 1954, Melvin married Marilyn Jean Valien in Geneva, IL. They were blessed with two sons, Stephen Gerald and Gary Glenn. Mel was active in the Sugar Grove community. He served as a volunteer fireman and worked annually at the Sugar Grove Corn Boil hauling in the steam engines and assisting at the fireman’s tent.  His farm upbringing influenced his love of the Big Rock Plowing Match and his collection of John Deere memorabilia.

Melvin enjoyed a good prank.  He would water his neighbor’s yard so it would have to be mowed more often or put Limburger cheese on his buddy’s manifold.  He was also great at fishing, not so much at catching.

Melvin entered into rest on Friday, December 16, 2022 at his home in Blue Eye.  He was 88.  His love, humor and presence will be greatly missed.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin & Louise; two brothers, Don Nelson and Rich Nelson; his sister, Ruthann Rupp; grandson, Stephen Nelson and step-grandson, Justin James.

Surviving Melvin are his loving wife, Marilyn Nelson of 68 years; son, Stephen Nelson and wife Kathy and son, Gary Nelson and wife Roberta; his siblings, Betty Christensen, Dave Nelson and Linda Nelson; granddaughter, Melody Jean Nelson and future husband Mitch Brooks; step-great granddaughter, Caitlin and her son Bradley; step-grandchildren, James Milligan and Sara Flint and her family along with other family and friends.

Services will be on Monday, December 19, 2022 in Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory, Branson.  Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM with the funeral service following at 2:00 PM.  Melvin will be laid to rest in Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery, Branson.

Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory

1638 East State Highway 76

Branson, Missouri 65616

Telephone – 417-334-3670

Fax – 417-336-3670