John P. Nelson

John Philip Nelson, 85, of Monmouth died at 5:50 a.m. Monday, May 2, 2016 at Legacy Estates in Monmouth.

John was born January 3, 1931 in Galesburg, Illinois the son of Dorrance Adrian and Maud Ellen (Merrill) Nelson. He was raised and educated in Galesburg, graduating from Galesburg High School in 1948.

John married JoAnn Shawler in Monmouth, IL on May 4, 1969 and she survives.

John worked as the manager at the Strom Center Thrift Shore for 26 years before retiring in 2014. He was a member of the Heritage United Presbyterian Church.

John loved to talk and visit with people. He never met a stranger. He also enjoyed playing cards.

Survivors include his wife, JoAnn Nelson of Monmouth; 12 children, Jane Nelson of Waterloo, IA, Margaret (Mike) Chavez of Weslaco, TX, Jim (Dee) Nelson of Silvis, IL, John (Susie) Nelson of Bettendorf, IA, Bill (Allene) Nelson of Martinburg, WV, Mary (Michel) Johnson of Enid, OK, Barb Chenault of Monmouth, IL, Sherry (Gary) Lee of Monmouth, IL, Steve (Linda) Rutledge of Woodburry, GA, Joyce (Tommy) Talbott of Phoenix City, AL, Lisa Hull of Monmouth, IL and Christine (Jarvis) Melton of Boone, IA; 35 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Paul Rutledge; brothers, Richard Nelson and Paul Nelson; son in law, Jack Chenault.

Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 5, 2016 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth. Friends may call Thursday morning where his family will be present one hour prior to the services. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the John P. Nelson Memorial Fund.