Donald "Donnie" Eugene Nelson Jr.

Born April 14, 1976 in Peoria to Donald Eugene Nelson, Sr. and Sandra Faye (Friday) Nelson, he married Christina Hackman on October 18, 2014 in Pekin.

Surviving are his wife, Christina Nelson of Manito; five daughters, Kayla Nelson of Peoria, Sommer Nelson of Pekin, C.C. Brown of Manito and Tamia Brown of Pekin and Emily Moore of Pekin; seven grandchildren, Evan, Autumn, Miley, Ella Rose, Kyryn, Ridley and Sylas; six siblings, Lorna Sparrow, Alice Coulter Williams, Eric Coulter, Tammy Smith, Dawn Otten, Edie Nelson; his niece, Mandy Sparrow and many other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jeff Coulter.

Donnie “The Legend” was known as the life of the party touched many lives and brought joy everywhere he went. He lived for the outdoors. His passions included fishing, hunting, gardening, camping and bird watching. He was the designated grill master for his family. Donnie was a music enthusiast, karaoke star and handyman who spent his time working on home improvement projects. Most of all, Donnie loved laughing and spending time with his family and friends.

A gathering celebrating Donnie’s life will be held at a later date. Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Midwest Affiliate, 530 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61637.

The family will also be accepting donations on Go Fund Me to offset costs for his celebration of life. https://gofundme.a0dd9ca0

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com