Jack L. Nelson

Jack L. Nelson age 85 of Colchester, passed away Friday, March 20, 2020, at McDonough District Hospital Emergency Room. He was born July 10, 1934, in Colchester to Charles and Bessie Mae Martin Nelson. Jack was united in marriage to Patricia McLain on October 18, 1956, in Macomb.

Surviving to mourn his passing are his wife of 63 years, Patricia Nelson, of Colchester, 2 sons: Brent (Lori) Nelson, of Laura, Illinois, Richard Nelson, of Macomb, 2 granddaughters: Ericka (Branden) Lesley, Paige Nelson, 2 great grandchildren: Lexie and Jake Lesley, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters: Helen Curtis, Katherine Ussery, 3 brothers: Keith Nelson, Kenneth Nelson, and Robert Nelson.

Jack served his country in the United States Army, from 1956 to 1958, his tours of duty included basic training in Kileen, Texas, at Fort Hood, then he was stationed in Friedberg, Germany. He served on an expert rifle team in competitions. While serving with the 3rd Armor Division, he and Patricia lived off base. Jack worked as a truck driver for several years then went into construction as a union laborer. Jack started his own business with construction equipment in the early 1970’s. He expanded his business over the years to include hauling gravel, backhoe service and trenching. He was a member of the Colchester Business Association for many years and helped with Christmas on the Prairie. He built his own family home from the ground up, doing all the work himself. At one time he built many pickup truck campers for people including his own family which lead to many family camping trips through the summer months. He enjoyed going on trips around the country of which they almost got to every state, and even to some locations out of the country. He also enjoyed riding with Pat on his motorcycle, and working with her raising and selling Christmas trees. Jack enjoyed the time he got to spend with friends at the local coffee shops. Jack was always busy working on something whether for his family or someone else. He was truly a “Jack of all trades”.

Private graveside will be at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Colchester, with Military rites by the Macomb V.F.W. Post 1921 and Macomb American Legion Post 6. Friends may view and sign the register book at the Jones Mortuary in Colchester from 8:30 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 25, 2020. Memorial is to Colchester Area Business Association or Colchester Library. Please feel free to leave condolences to the family by visiting online at jonesmortuaryfh.com.

Friends may view and sign the register book at the Jones Mortuary in Colchester from 8:30 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 25, 2020.

Private family service will be at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Colchester with Military rites by the Macomb V.F.W. and Macomb American Legion

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