Rev. Noel Nelson

Reverend Noel Junior Nelson of Potosi, Missouri, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 11, 2020 having reached the age of seventy-seven years, six months, and five days. Noel was born on January 6, 1943 in St. Louis, Missouri, a son of the late William Lowell Nelson and the late Katherine Pauline (Denny) Nelson.

On March 20, 1993, Noel was united in marriage to Judith E. Wall and they shared twenty-seven years together.

Noel will be missed by all who knew and loved him, including his wife Judith Nelson; six children: Terry Arndt, Kelly Papadopalus and husband Jim, Bunni Henson and husband Brett, Melinda Saunders and husband Brian, Seth Nelson and wife Helen, Courtney Gaede and husband Erik; fifteen grandchildren: Thaylor Nickelson and husband Chad, Brettnie Henson and Fiancé Donnie Barton, Baylee Coleman and husband Garrett, Brilee Henson, Nathan Sharp, Chadley Nickelson, Kaylyn Sharp, Carson Saunders, Odessa Willett, Barrett Henson, Laric Nickelson, Jack Nelson, Amelia Gaede, Sophie Gaede, Jasper Gaede; seven siblings: Gelee Theiss, Connie Arndt, Shirley Jarvis and husband Dean, Jessica Nelson, Teresa Woods, Jerry Nelson, and Paulette St. Cyrie; brothers and sisters-in-law: Barb and Jim Reed, David and Ana Wall; special cousins: Donald and Larry Lunsford. Noel is also survived by many nieces, nephews, church family, dear friends and his precious puppies, Spencer James and Gidgett Grace.

In addition to Noel’s parents, he was preceded in death by his step mother, Alice Anderson Nelson; sister, Jennifer Bullock; and many other dear family members.

Noel had seven younger sisters and one brother. Being the eldest, he was always looked up to by his siblings, who he loved dearly. Noel had his first job, a paper route, when he was only eight years old. His strong work ethic started at a young age, as well as his love for reading and learning.

Noel joined the United States Air Force at the age of nineteen. Noel also served in the United States Navy. He lived in many different states while in the service, before returning to Missouri for good.

Noel met his beloved wife, Judy at the First Assembly of God Church in Potosi, where he previously served as Worship Leader. Noel went on to earn his masters degree in Christian Counseling and ministry. He served as pastor of Park Hills Nazarene Church for eight years.

Noel had many hobbies and interests, including, traveling with his wife, reading and collecting books, studying the Bible, writing sermons, his Japanese Chin Dogs, as well as a great love for a good piece of cheese cake. Above all, Noel was a true servant of God, and he always let his light shine to anyone he met. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and mentor to so many.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 14, 2020 from 5 to 8 PM at DeClue Funeral Home.

Visitation will resume on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at New Beginnings Worship Center, 4665 Highway O, Farmington, MO. 63640. A Funeral Service will immediately follow the visitation on Wednesday beginning at 12 PM.

Noel proudly served in the United States Air Force from January 18, 1962 to December 16, 1965. Noel also served in the Navy from March 17, 1977 to April 16, 1984. Noel will receive full military honors consisting of flag folding and presentation, gun salute and TAPS.

Interment will be held at Shepard Hills Cemetery, 1925 Old Highway M, Barnhart, MO. 63012.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are directed to the Parkinson’s Association,135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements were respectfully entrusted to the care and direction of DeClue Funeral Home.