Alan Nelson

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Alan C. Nelson age 78 of Joplin, Missouri passed away on Friday, April 23, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin. He was born in Lennox, California on March 8, 1943 to Chet Nelson and Harriet (Chipman) Nelson. 

Alan was a retired United States Navy Veteran having served in the Vietnam War on the USS Maddox, DD-731 as a communications specialist. After retiring from the Navy, he joined the United States Air Force Reserves. He also retired from Empire District Electric Company. 

Alan was a member of Christ's Church of Oronogo, loved to go to cruise nights with his friends, collected knives, and was a member of the American Legion. 

He married Doreen (Haggard) Nelson in Neosho, Missouri and she survives him. 

Alan is also survived by his children, Teri (Nelson) Taylor and husband Kip of The Villages, Florida, Kimberly (Nelson) Utter of Pierce City, Missouri, Amy Covert and husband Michale of Webb City, Holly Bowers and husband Billy of Joplin; grandchildren, Tyler Huddleston and wife Danielle, Nate Huddleston, Kelcie Hunt and husband Ryan, Lacey Hatcher and husband William, Garen Nelson and wife Morgan, Desire' Covert, Josh Covert, Riley Bowers, and Avery Bowers; 6 great grandchildren; and sisters, Hannah d’Havilan of Joplin, Missouri, Mary Gilbert of Oregon; and a brother, Charlie Nelson of Utah. 

Alan was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother and 1 sister. 

The family will have a Celebration of Life on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Christ's Church of Oronogo. The family will be present for a visitation from 9:30 AM until service time. A committal service will be held following the services at Mount Hope Cemetery with full military honors. 

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. Visit www.simpsonfh.com for online condolences.