By Doug Spencer
Posted: Updated:
7 Comments
  • Visitation

    Monday, June 19, 2023

    5 pm - 7 pm

    Ingram Meridith Funeral Home, Albion, IL

  • Service

    A private service for his immediate family will be held at another date.

  • Full Obituary

    Dwight Owen Nelson, 71 of Browns, IL died June 8, 2023, at home surrounded by the love of his family.  Born on May 29, 1952, he was the son of Elbert “Junior” and Parthenia Kathleen Nelson.  He married Renita Marlene Dorman on June 19th, 1971.

    A lifelong resident of Browns, Dwight was infamous for his red and white polka dot cap and his name worn over the chest pocket of his shirt.  He was a farmer and the owner of Nelson’s Drainage.

    A love of bringing joy to others, he and his wife Renita would become Santa and Mrs. Claus and visit the area nursing homes and hospitals during the Christmas season.  Many were the recipients of his strawberry pies and angel food cakes.  Dwight enjoyed popping his homegrown popcorn and delivering it to many area businesses and friends.  He selflessly cared for his mother for 9 years in her aging years.

    Dwight was proud of his daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren and he blessed them with his woodworking talents.  His grandchildren knew he could fix anything, and he often helped them with big elaborate projects.  He loved gardening and would include his grandkids in helping plant large gardens and pumpkin patches.  Dwight was a man of many other talents and hobbies.  He enjoyed bee keeping, raising catfish and baking.  His love of aviation inspired him to build Nelson Airport, which allowed the opportunity for it to be used for Army practice missions, Air-Evac, and the Prop Busters R/C Club.

    Leaving a legacy of strong Christian Faith to his family and left to cherish his memory are his wife Renita, daughters; Christina (Jamie) McCorkle of Mt. Carmel and Teresa (Josh) McFarland of Allendale.  Grandchildren; Elliot and Sarah McCorkle and Paige, Sally, and Ian McFarland, sisters; Carole (Andy) Krajec, Norma Keener, Karleen (Terry) Lambert, sister-in-law; Mona Nelson and several nieces and nephews.  Dwight is preceded in death by his parents and brother Michael Roy Nelson.

    A visitation will be held on Monday, June 19 from 5-7pm at Ingram Meridith Funeral Home, 241 West Main St, Albion, IL.  A private service for his immediate family will be held at another date.  Memorials can be made in Dwight’s memory to Victorious Children’s Home, a mission very near to his heart.

    Ingram Meridith Funeral Home, Albion, IL.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

7 Condolences
 
  1. Roby Doherty / June 13, 2023 at 12:05 pm

    RIP my dear sweet cousin. You and Mike fill my childhood memories. We had the absolute best childhood growing up on the farm together. You lived your life to the fullest. Love you❤️

  2. Gene Lackey / June 13, 2023 at 1:10 pm

    Renita and family: We were so sorry to learn of Dwight’s passing. We have many fond memories of Junior, Kathleen, Mike, Dwight, the farm and JK store. Gene & Jackie

  3. Kay Kennard Jamieson / June 13, 2023 at 3:05 pm

    Dear Renita and all of the Nelson family, I, too, grew up in Browns and recall several times being at Dwight’s childhood home/farm, especially when visting Roby. May God give you all the comfort you need as you move forward in your lives, knowing that Dwight is safe in Paradise with Christ our Lord.

  4. Eleanor Hutchinson / June 13, 2023 at 4:06 pm

    So sorry to lose Dwight. He was to young ..Dwight never wanted to go far from home .
    I remember my parents telling about when they were sitting Dwight and he wanted to go home, so took off running and my father chasing him to bring him back .
    Or the story of Dwight watching grandma Nelson hide the Easter eggs, so he always found more than his siblings and cousins.
    Aunt Eleanor

  5. Danny Lankford / June 13, 2023 at 4:57 pm

    Sincere condolences to Renita and all of Dwight’s family.
    A good, family loving man from the shared Class of ‘70.

  6. Gerald Joyner / June 14, 2023 at 10:15 am

    Renita and family: So sorry to hear about your loss. Dwight was not only good employer but a good friend. Was good to have known him, you, girls, and family. He will be greatly missed!!

  7. Lynn Stangle / June 24, 2023 at 10:04 am

    Theresa Josh and Nelson family. Sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Thinking about all of you and sending our love and prayers.

    Bill McFarland and all of the family.

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