Nelson Robert McNutt

Nelson R. McNutt, 86, of Ashland, passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at Brethren Care Village from a lingering illness with his wife at his bedside. Born June 14, 1931 in Patterson, Ohio, he was the son of Archie and Mildred (Smith) McNutt.

Nelson graduated from Dunkirk High School in 1948/49 being president of his class. After graduation he joined the United States Navy where his title was Fire Control Technician Third Class on a battle ship for four years during the Korean Conflict.

Returning home Nelson wanted to further his education by going to The Ohio State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture and continued his studies to earn a Bachelors in Education. In 1967 he began a teaching career at Lucas Middle School System as a math teacher then later years assumed the title of Dean of Students also. He was well liked by all. He retired after 34 years of teaching at the Lucas School System.

As a young man growing up on a farm Nelson's passion and first love was training and showing parade ponies as well as horses for the late Col. Leon Robinson of Dunkirk, Ohio. Together they traveled nationally attending the largest horse and pony shows in the country. The American Royal, Chicago International, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and the Ohio State Fairs were just a few attended annually. When Col. Robinson passed away in 1958 Nelson was named administrator to the estate.

Nelson organized a dispersal sale which at the time was considered one of the largest pony sales in the United States. Ponies trained by Nelson brought in a record price for that day of $40,000.00.

On December 24, 1961 he married his childhood sweetheart Joy Sue Morrison. As a former young show ring competitors Nelson often made the remark, "if you can't beat them marry them". Together they formed one of the most successful husband/wife teams showing their Hackney, Shetland, Welsh, Saddlebred and Morgan ponies and horses across the country.

Nelson was also a respected horse and pony show judge throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania. He was on the board of director's of COSCA, Tri State Horse Show Association and the Ashland Paint & Plain Saddle Club, as well as president of the Paint & Plain Saddle Club for 2 years.

He was inducted into The Hardin County Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2015.

Nelson loved Classic Country Music and often entertained his friends with Ethel and The Mississippi Squirrel (Ray Stevens). He will always be remembered for his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. He never knew a stranger. He was a member of the American Legion and the VFW. He enjoyed watching The Ohio State Buckeyes whether it be basketball of football as well as the Cav's basketball and Cleveland Indians baseball.

Nelson was preceded in death by his mother Mildred and his father Archie McNutt; his son, Mitchell Lee McNutt; and brothers, Gerald, Bill and Richard McNutt.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 55 years, Joy Sue McNutt; son Nicholas (Melody) McNutt; a sister, Marge Agin; brothers, Tom (Joan), Kenneth (Sue) and Dr. Ronald (Kay) McNutt of Tucson, Arizona; two sisters-in-law, Betty of Millersburg and Lorain of Columbus; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 14, 2017 at the Ashland Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 308 Claremont Avenue, Ashland. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 15, 2017 at the funeral home conducted by Rev. Lonnie Qualls. Burial will follow in Ashland Cemetery where full military services will be conducted by the Ashland Veterans Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to Brethren Care Village or Pathways Hospice.