Eric Nelson

(From Parker Mortuary)

Eric Stephen Nelson, an unconventional dresser, funny guy, family man, and American patriot, died unexpectedly on Sunday, June 4, 2023, in his Joplin home.

Affectionately known as “Big EZ” and “Dad” by his family and friends, Eric was a successful self-taught plumber (really, he fibbed on a job application at 23 and taught himself on each new site), lyricist, and talented electric musician. Eric was the epitome of “Fake It till You Make It.” And he faked it a lot, much to our comedic relief and admiration of his grit to keep going.

 

Eric could sniff out any extent of mayonnaise in Avery’s recipes. He was famously opinionated, loud chewing drove him to the insane asylum, and he despised any size of traffic almost as much as he did California Liberals. 

One of Eric’s proudest moments was the birth of his eldest daughter, Madisyn, and he longed to be close to her again until his passing. He loved deeply and worked every day to be better and show up for those around him- stranger or not. 

 With his tenacious spirit, Eric worked to enhance his new life in Missouri, and shortly later met his gentle-spirited and kind-hearted fiancé, Kaitlyn Gaddis. Eric joyfully adopted her two precious children, Lukas and Amelia, and was preparing for the delivery of their son, Erick Junior, in August. Eric’s feistiness and ability to find humor even in the most painful seasons served him well throughout his life.

Eric was born in Modesto, California, on March 16, 1987, to his virtuous father, Orrin, and his faithful mother, Eileen. He was the second youngest to six well-loved, but a little bit crazy, children, and in 2022 moved to Joplin, Missouri, to be closer to (definitely the most handsome brother), Andrew Nelson. Eric is survived by his father, Orrin Nelson Jr.; mother, Eileen Nelson; daughter, Madisyn Nelson; sister, Dr. Lisa Rice; sister, Amy Bore; brother, Orrin Nelson III; brother, Andrew Nelson; brother, Stephen Nelson; fiancé, Kaitlyn Gaddis; and children, Lukas and Amelia, numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. 

Eric was preceded in death by his grandfather, Orrin Nelson Sr.

A memorial service will be held for Eric at Forest Park North (5898 N Main St Rd #101, Joplin, MO 64801) on Friday, June 16, from 3:30-5:00 pm for an open viewing, followed by a memorial service from 5:00-6:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested any charitable donations be made to Kaitlyn and the children.

The family extends their deepest condolences to all who knew and loved Eric. Our lives will never be the same, but only through Christ we can have hope and joy for the future. Eric, we love you so much and will miss you every day.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin.