Willis Steven ‘Steve’ Nelson (1949-2022)

Willis Steven ‘Steve’ Nelson, 73, passed away Monday, May 30, 2022, in Goddard, Kan.

He was born March 12, 1949, in Salina, Kan. to Willis Lex Nelson and Yvonne Faithe (Swisher) Nelson.

Steve was a longtime resident of Southern Lincoln County where he was a stockman and farmer.

He married Jane Marie Wolting in Lincoln on Aug. 10, 1969, before joining the United States Army to serve in the Vietnam War. The couple were married until Jane’s passing in 2005.

Steve married Carol Ann Williams in Lincoln on May 19, 2007. Carol passed in 2021.

During his time in the U.S. Army, he was a member of the 101st Airborne Division. He was later a member of the Lincoln VFW Post 7928 and a past Commander of the post. He was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lincoln County and had also been recently served by Ascension Lutheran Church in Wichita. Steve was an avid animal lover and had many cats and dogs over the years of his life.

Steve is survived by his son Chad Steven Nelson (Deana) of Maize, Kan.; daughter Julie Nichols (Courtney) of Hutchinson, Kan.; grandchildren, Nathan Steven Nelson, NaTasha Jane Nelson, Ethan Robert Nichols, and Trinity Jane Marie Nichols; brother Jerry Nelson (Cathy) of Lawrence, Kan.; step-son Steve Williams (Vicki) of Lincoln; step-daughter Angela Riley (Mitch) of Beloit, Kan.; step-grandchildren, David, Tyler, and Nicholas Williams, Trever Kirk, and Zach and Lydia Riley; as well as many cousins and other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and wives, Jane Marie and Carol Ann.

Funeral service is at 3 p.m. Friday, June 3, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Lincoln with burial following in the Lincoln Cemetery.

A visitation will take place for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Lincoln VFW Post 7928, in care of Hall Chapel, PO Box 37, Lincoln, Kan. 67455.

Condolences can be made at www.hallchapel.com.