John Edward Nelson, 63, of Ottumwa, died May 17, 2022 in Columbia, MO.
He was born August 15, 1958 in Ottumwa to Edward and Mary Josephine “Joey” Burke Nelson. He married Sharon C. DeWitt on November 14, 1992.
John graduated from Hudson High School before attending the University of Northern Iowa where he ran track. He served in the US Army Reserves where he was an equipment specialist. He had worked for Hudson Elevator in his younger years along with JBS in Ottumwa.
John enjoyed music, especially rock and roll, Iowa Hawkeye sports, helping coach football at Don Bosco and Waterloo West. He loved spending time with his family and attending his kids and grandkids’ sporting events. He was a kind and generous man as well as a loving father.
Surviving is his loving wife of 30 years, Sharon; children, Burgandi (Kenny) Carr of Albia, Meghan (Tim) Guiter of Des Moines and Peyton (Joseph) Titus of Lancaster, MO; 2 grandchildren, Maggie and Mollie; a sister, Lori (Tim) Woodson of Oelwein; and his mother-in-law, Yvonne DeWitt.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Richard Nelson; his father-in-law, Kenneth DeWitt; and his best friend, Jack Cheman.
His body has been cremated.
Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, May 23rd at Reece Funeral Home.
Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 24th at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Ray Lyon officiating and military honors conducted by Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion. For those unable to attend the service, it may be viewed on the Reece Funeral Home Facebook page.
Memorials may be made to O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion in honor of John’s great-great uncle, O.B. Nelson.
