August Ivan Nelson

August Ivan Nelson, known to all as Ivan, of Bourbon, MO departed this life at his home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, having reached the age of one hundred one years, eight months and three days. Ivan was born in New Windsor, IL on December 7, 1921, son of William T. Nelson and Edna Nelson nee Blomquist. On March 4, 1944 he was united in marriage to Audrey M. Boettcher and four children came to bless this union. Ivan is survived by three children, Judy Thrasher of Bourbon, MO, Jeanne Herman and husband, Stephen, of Spring Valley, CA and David Nelson and wife, Joan, of Spokane, WA; by one brother Dean Nelson and wife, Sandra, of Pontiac, MI; by two sisters-in-law, Barbara Nelson of Galva, IL and Elinor Nelson of Rockford, IL; by ten grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, nieces, nephews and many friends. Ivan was preceded in death by his parents, William and Edna Nelson; by his wife, Audrey Nelson; by one daughter, Karen Davis; by two sons-in-law, Dale Thrasher and Ray Davis; by three brothers, Bill Nelson, Ralph Nelson and Carl Nelson; by his sister, Dolly Entrekin; and by one sister-in-law, Juanita Nelson. Ivan was a Christian and member of Calvary Baptist Church in Bourbon, MO where he served as deacon for many years. He was also a past deacon at Rock Hill Baptist Church in Brentwood, MO. He was a proud member of the Gideons International. He was proud to have served his country in the United States Army, entering on August 11, 1942 and receiving his honorable discharge on December 5, 1945, having attained the rank of SGT. During his working career he was employed at Sunnen Products in Maplewood, MO, Ralston Purina Company in St. Louis, MO and Eisenberg Company in St. Louis, MO, based out of Chicago, IL, serving the company for about twenty-five years until his retirement. He enjoyed working in his vegetable garden, reading his Bible and teaching Sunday School. Ivan was a very charitable man that loved his family and his church family. The very many precious memories they created together will be cherished by them all forever. A kind and loving father, father-in-law, grandfather, great and great-great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great and great-great-uncle, cousin and treasured friend, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at Calvary Baptist Church in Bourbon, MO and from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Jay B. Smith Funeral Home in Maplewood, MO. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Jay B. Smith Funeral Home with Pastor Ed Carter officiating. Interment with full military honors will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO. The family was served by Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO.

August Ivan Nelson

December 7, 1921 - August 9, 2023