Franklin Lewis "Frank" Nelson
Reverend Franklin Lewis Nelson, 80, of Springfield died at 5:45 am Monday, February 29, 2016 at Aperion Care in Jacksonville, IL. He was born on May 10, 1935 in Pekin to Edwin J. and Gertrude Crooks Nelson. He married Phyllis E. Ford on April 9, 1976 and she preceded him in death on February 14, 2010. Also preceding him in death were his parents and brother, Sam Nelson. Surviving are two nephews, Michael and Edwin Nelson and three step grandchildren, John, Jeremiah and Brandy Olmstead.
Reverend Nelson was a member of Springfield Southern Baptist Church. He had previously served as Pastor at several churches including Fairview Baptist Church in Springfield and Interim Pastor at Havana Southern Baptist Church. He retired from the State of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services after 37 years of service. He was a United States Army Veteran serving during the Korean Conflict.
Visitation: 12 – 1 pm Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Staab Funeral Home.
Funeral Service: 1:00 pm, Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Staab Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Michael Keppler officiating. Burial will follow at Horse Creek Cemetery in Pawnee.
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David Chesko posted on 3/3/16
Frank was a grand gentleman with whom I worked for many years at DCFS. He had tremendous common sense and great patience in teaching so many of us (then) young caseworkers about Medicaid and all kinds of government regulations. DCFS would be better off if we had more people like Frank. Later after Frank retired, I enjoyed our conversations and his wisdom and insight deepened my own faith. Frank Nelson served his country, his community and the children and families of Illinois with distinction, and I am honored to have known him. Enjoy your heavenly rewards buddy!