Darnell Nelson

NEW MADRID - Darnell Nelson, 97, died July 5, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center.

Born Feb. 23, 1907, in Ozan, Ark., son f the late William and Alice May McFadden Nelson, he lived near Essex and Dexter most of his life before moving to New Madrid two years ago. A retired farmer, he worked on the Fisher Plantation and was affiliated with the Methodist Church.

On Dec. 23, 1925, he married Nollie May Clark who preceded him in death in 1943.

Survivors include: five sons and one daughter-in-law, Darnell William "Jack" Nelson of Sikeston, Lee and Lenora Nelson Jr. of Indianapolis, Johnson Nelson of Peoria, Ill., Dale Nelson of Massachusetts and Lindell Nelson of St. Louis; two daughters, Willie Lee Smith of Malden and Ophelia Nelson of Dolton, Ill.; one brother, Charles Nelson of Ozan; one sister, Thelma Darnell of Swanton, Ohio; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by three sons, Henry Nelson, Lee Thomas and Lewis Calvin "L.C." Nelson; and two sisters, Lula Nelson and Ophelia Nelson.

Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, where services are scheduled at noon Saturday. The Rev. L.J. Nabors of Sikeston will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Macedonia Cemetery in Malden.