Arnold G. "Arnie" Nelson

Arnold G. "Arnie" Nelson, 80, passed away Monday, March 2, 2015, at Sparks Regional Medical Center in Fort Smith surrounded by his family. He was born in Norfolk, Nebraska, to the late Axel and Elsie Nelson. He received his Associates Degree from the Commercial Extension School of Commerce in Omaha, Nebraska. He served his country in the Army during the Korean War. Arnie had a 58-year career in the poultry industry, including 18 years as plant manager and also serving in other management positions at Armour Foods, Hudson Foods and OK Foods. His brother, David Nelson, predeceased him. He was God's servant and loved his neighbor through his extensive and intentional service. Arnie was born to serve, and he felt this was his unique ministry. He volunteered in various capacities (lector, usher, teller) at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Ft. Smith and for years was an expert hospice volunteer and made many friendships. In 2001 and 2002, he received the Governor's Volunteer Excellence Award from Governor Mike Huckabee. In 2002, Arnie was recognized by the Arkansas State Hospice Association with the Hospice Heart Award. Most recently, he served as the Chaplain of the American Legion Post 31 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, ministering in area nursing homes. There was no lawnmower or weedeater that he could not repair, and since he did not charge for his services, he had plenty of opportunities to serve. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia Denton Nelson of the home; a daughter, Lori Richards and husband Paul of Wilmington, N.C.; two sons, Greg Nelson and wife Libbie of Houston, Texas, and Steve Nelson and wife Debbie of Little Rock; and six grandchildren, Greg Nelson and wife Lisa, Stacy Noser, Bradley Nelson and wife Colette, Melissa Olson and husband Christian, Joe Nelson, and Laura Beth Nelson; and four great -grandchildren. Arnie is also survived by three siblings, Florence Roberts, Harold Nelson and James Nelson. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 6, 2015 at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 5401 Free Ferry Road, Fort Smith with Reverend Don Brewer officiating. A committal service will be 11 a.m. Monday, March 9, 2015 at the Fort Smith National Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, Ark. Pallbearers will be Mike Davis, Shea Carr, Darrell Peters, Greg Nelson, Bradley Nelson, and Joe Nelson. The family will visit with friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2015, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, Ark. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church. To place an online tribute, go to www.edwardsvan-alma.com.