Carl Nelson

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Mr. Carl Leroy Nelson, Jr., 86, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away Friday, October 16, 2020 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin.

Carl was reborn again by the blood of JESUS CHRIST and transformed by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT and his life was a good example to all. He was the most caring, loving person to his family and especially while taking care of this wife before she preceded him in death five months ago. What a blessing he was and now as our ministering angel that gained his wings and joined his wife, Mildred, at Heaven’s gates.

Carl entered this life on May 9, 1934 at his mom and dad’s home on Swede Lane in Joplin, Missouri, born to Carl Emil Nelson and Bessie Lulu (Karch) Nelson.

On April 17, 1953 he was united in marriage to Mildred Lorraine Gust in Joplin, Missouri. Together they shared 67 years.

He worked as a route salesman at Four State Florists, H & W Potato Chip Co., Joplin Linen & Towel Co., and Automatic Cigarette Co., where he spent 22 years. He was the best route salesman, servicing his accounts with the utmost respect for his customers. He was always whistling and enjoying his customers as friends. He had a second job working at home on TVs and radios to provide for his family to make ends meet. He was a member of Racine Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher. Carl loved flying his remote control airplanes and playing with his robots and other electronic toys. He also enjoyed riding his motorscooter and motorbike, even into his 80s. Carl found simple joy in jumping in the car and taking a drive and his family will always cherish the stories he told them.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a daughter, Carlene Dyer; grandchildren, Chasidi Dyer, Montana Dyer, Austin Phillips, and Jennifer Leann Nelson; and siblings, Anna Foster and John “Jim” Nelson.

Carl is survived by a son, Vallen L. Nelson, and wife, Katharine, of Joplin; and daughter, Christina L. Beaver, and husband, Alan, of Anderson, Missouri; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2020 at Mount Hope Cemetery in Webb City with Pastor Melvin Stapp officiating. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Aaron Beaver, Alan Beaver, James Boston III, Keaghan Hancock, Matt Judah, Nathan Judah, and Vallen C. Nelson. Honorary pallbearers are Kaylee Beaver, Abigail Cartwright, Barrett Cartwright, Chasidi Cartwright, Noah Cartwright, Jaxon Nelson, and Samantha Shantel Nelson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House.

Anyone in attendance will be required to wear a mask and social distancing will be implemented.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.