Obituary of Richard (Dick) Nelson

Rev. Richard (Dick) Nelson Maine, NY: Rev. Richard (Dick) Nelson, 80, passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, July 1, 2011. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lucile Nelson and a grandson, Luke Nelson. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara (Bennett) Nelson; five children: Judith Nelson, Maine, NY; Mark & Nancy Nelson, Ft. Collins, CO; Bruce Nelson, Lisle, NY; Suzanne & Richard Noreika, Davidson, NC; Philip Nelson, Endicott, NY. Also surviving are 16 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved and wanted the very best for. He is also survived by a sister, Winifred Ayers, Lakeland, FL. Dick was a Master Electrician, founder of Nelson's Lamp Lighters; but his greater joy was in opportunities to serve the Lord. He was the founding pastor of Faith Baptist Church, Trenton, NJ; chaplain at Binghamton University for 15 years; adjunct professor at Practical Bible Training School (Davis College); teacher and worker in his local church. He will be missed by many whose lives he touched, but the struggle with Alzheimer's is over and he is whole and at peace with the Lord. His family will receive friends at the First Baptist Church, Maine, NY, on Tuesday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. A funeral service and celebration of his life will follow at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Loren Winn. Burial will follow in the Maine Cemetery. Friends who wish may consider memorials to the First Baptist Church Building or Mission Funds, Box 189, Maine, NY 13802.