Howard J. Nelson, Sr., 79, of West Alexandria, OH, passed away Friday morning, January 3, 2020. Born July 19, 1940 in Catoosa, TN, he was the son of the late Fred J. and Geneva R. (Bonham) Nelson. Howard retired in 1989 from MIP Division of Duriron Company in Dayton, then went to work for Reiken Corporation in Brookville, retiring for good in 1995. He loved to work on and show his 1960 Chevy and 1936 Dodge Truck; pheasant hunting in South Dakota with his son; and going to the casinos. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by sister and husband Pat and Danny Bowman; brother-in-law Jim Childers; and nephew and nieces Matthew Nelson, and Rebecca Lewis and Melissa Nelson.

Howard is survived by his wife of 58 years Joann (Clark) Nelson whom he married in May of 1961; children Joe Nelson and wife Lori, Kevin Nelson and wife Donna, Derrick Nelson and companion Rhonda Bowman, and Dale Nisius and wife Janet. Howard’s grandchildren and great grandchildren were so very important to him. His grandchildren are Will Nelson and wife Danielle, Dayna Webb and husband Chuck, Eric Nelson and wife Miranda, Myranda Mowery and husband Denver, Shauna Thompson and companion David Martin, and John Thompson; 9 great grandchildren with another due in March; brother Mike Nelson and wife Ginny; sisters Judy Myers and husband Lee and Carol Requarth; numerous nieces and nephews; special cousin Benny Nelson; longtime friends Dennie Henry, Paul and Margaret Stewart; and all his friends at MIP.

Friends may call on the family from 5;00 – 8:00 PM Monday, January 6, 2020 at the Robert L. Crooks Funeral Center at Preble Memory Gardens – 3377 US Rt. 35 – West Alexandria. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday at Preble Memory Gardens. All are welcome to attend. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.