Thomas Arthur Nelson Jr. of Marysville, formerly of Ashley, died peacefully in his home on November 15, 2022 after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer. His three children whom he fiercely loved were by his side.
Tom was born on January 10, 1951 in Delaware, Ohio to the late Thomas Arthur & Mary K. (Miller) Nelson Sr. Tom grew up on the family farm and loved sharing memories of his childhood as one of seven children. He graduated from Buckeye Valley High School in 1969 and that fall enlisted in the Ohio Army National Guard where he was honorably discharged in November of 1975.
Tom was a lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Delaware, was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #376 where he was a proud Golden Age Eagle, and a member of the AMVETS. He worked as a machinist for Delo Screw Products in Delaware and also at Harding Machine in East Liberty, Ohio until his retirement.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Michael Nelson, Joseph Nelson, and Beverly Ray, and infant grandson Ryan McKinley Nelson.
He is survived by his children Heather (Tim) Patrick, Heath (Heidi) Nelson, and Heidi (Scott) Thomas; grandchildren Amber Crosbie and her girlfriend Katie, Adam Crosbie, Ethan Crosbie, Samantha (Derick) Eblin, Justin Nelson and his fiancée Kersyn, and Brandon Thomas; great-grandchildren Gunner, Tanner, and Nolan; brothers James “Jim” (Candy) and William “Bill” (Marilou) Nelson; sister Patricia (James) Russell; brother-in-law Stan Ray; sister-in-law Becky Nelson; pets Daisy and Mow Mow; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and his special friends at the Eagles.
Tom’s favorite hobby was vegetable gardening and he loved sharing all that he grew with family & friends, especially green beans and tomatoes. He loved John Deere tractors, and was an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns, and to the exasperation of his daughters, the New York Yankees. He coached his daughters’ summer softball teams as they were growing up and always hoped he made a difference in his players’ lives. He had the best 4th of July backyard fireworks each year (just ask his grandchildren!) and the entire family will always cherish his fall hayrides and bonfires. One of his very favorite events every year was attending the Little Brown Jug races with his best friend Dick Williamson. Tom will be remembered as the ornery, loving, big-hearted and oftentimes stubborn father, grandfather, and brother that he was.
Friends may join the family on Sunday, November 20, 2022 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm at the Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 10:00am at St. Mary Catholic Church, 82 East William Street, Delaware, Ohio 43015. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Army and the Delaware County Veterans Association.
Memorial contributions in Tom’s honor may be directed to the Humane Society of Delaware County, 4920 Oh-37, Delaware, Ohio 43015.
Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
The Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center is proudly serving this veteran and his family.