Art Nelson Obituary (1941 - 2021)

Arthur W. "Art" Nelson, 79, passed away Sunday evening, May 9, 2021 at his home in Copeland, Kansas. He was born July 6, 1941 to M. Isadel (Myers) Nelson and Monta G. Nelson in Topeka, Kansas. The Nelson family moved from Topeka to Copeland when Art was four years old. He attended Copeland Schools graduating in 1959. Art enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1960 and was proud to serve his country. He married Janet Kay Moser on July 24, 1965 at the Sublette Christian Church. Art was the owner and operator of Nelson Implement Company in Copeland where he worked on anything with a motor. The building on main street still bears the company name. Working on engines wasn't only his job, but his hobby. He and Janet would spend weekends going to drag races where he would showcase the power of his white 66' Ford Fairlane. Drag racing became the family sport and everyone has fond memories of time spent in the shop working towards the next trophy. When the Nelson family wasn't drag racing they could be found camping. Art enjoyed fishing at Lake Fort Supply or Canton. These camping and fishing trips became favorite times spent with his children and grandchildren. Art was a passionate Copeland Viking's fan who supported his kids and the different athletics in which they were involved. He never missed a game! Later, he transitioned to being a South Gray booster, supporting his grandchildren in sports and music. Art always enjoyed the enthusiasm that the pep band provided at ballgames. Art was an active member of the Copeland American Legion Post #369 for 36 years. He believed in supporting the community through volunteering with his fellow Veterans. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Janet Nelson of the home; two daughters, Shanon Hayes of Copeland, KS, and Natalie Glassco and husband Scott of Montezuma, KS; two sons, Bart Nelson and wife Elizabeth of Springfield, MO, and Matt Nelson of Topeka, KS; eight grandchildren, Nic, Kylee, Jarod, Madison, MacKenzie, Connor, Cierra, and Blake; two great-grandchildren, Aurora and Amelia; a sister, Norma Vinson of Springfield, MO; a brother, Ted Nelson and wife Pauline of Pinedale, WY; and many dear friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Monta and Isadel; and a brother, Robert "Bob" Nelson. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 13, at the Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory with the family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 14, at the Copeland United Methodist Church with Pastor Doug Harris officiating. Cremation will follow the service. Suggested memorial contributions can be made payable to the Copeland American Legion Post #369 or the South Gray Pep Band in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1200, Sublette, Ks 67877. Condolences may be left online at WeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com. To send flowers to the family of Art Nelson, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.