Frank Thomas Nelson

Frank Thomas Nelson, 93, of Evansville, passed away Sunday, March 26, 2017 at Deaconess Hospital. He was born September 26, 1923, in Evansville, to the late Grover and Celia (Blunk) Nelson. He grew up in Evansville and Homer, IL. He graduated from Reitz High School and joined the Army in his senior year. He served in Leyte, Philippines during World War II. He and Doris Schwartz were married August 1946 and enjoyed 68 years of marriage. Frank worked as a draftsman at Whirlpool until retiring. He and Doris enjoyed many weekend trips to Barkley Lake and winters in Florida. They both enjoyed fishing. Frank made oak dining room tables for all of his children, some of his grandchildren and other family members and friends. He made many other pieces of oak, cherry and walnut furniture which will continue to be treasured. He was a member of the American Legion, Funkhouser Post and the VFW. He traveled with the first Honor Flight from Evansville, and it was a treasured experience. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Mae (Schwartz) Nelson; sons, David and Paul Nelson; daughter, Martha Zickefoose; grandson, Toby Ward; brothers, Cleve, Wallace, William and Robert Nelson, and sisters, Edna Lewis, Celia Nelson and Betty Carlisle. He is survived by children, Sarah Hughes (Ron) and Jim Nelson (Billie); grandchildren, Julie Nelson (Patrick), Jon Hughes (Lara), Emilie Nelson (Ryan), Karen Nelson, Keith Nelson (Megan), Shelley Brown (Rick), Daniel Nelson, Brett Nelson (Leslie), Julia Snow (Brandon) and Bonnie Griest; great-grandchildren, Shelby Zollman (Curtis), Brooke Ward, Jack Hughes, Aria Nelson, Ani Nelson, Bella Hughes, Andrew Nelson, Heidi Brown, Bailey Hughes, Ashlynn Cavanaugh, Aurelia Nelson, Tyler Nelson, Carly Hughes, Hannah Brown, Susanne Snow, Benjamin Snow, Aniyah Griest and Ryder Griest; sister, Edith Holmes (Dick) and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Deaconess Hospital Main Campus ER and Unit 5100 for their kind and compassionate care. Funeral Services will be 11:00AM, Friday, March 31, 2017, at Alexander West Chapel, 2100 W. Illinois Street. Friends may visit Thursday, March 30, 2017 from 4:00 to 8:00PM and Friday from 10:00AM to service time. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.