Harold Columbus Nelson

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Billie Pendleton Nelson of Friendswood and his son, David Nelson (and Donna) of El Lago, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Minnie Nelson, and sisters Ruth Little, Bernita Nelson, Thelma Thompson, and Mildred Bardin.

Harold was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He was a member of the United Methodist Church and active in the church in Strong. He was a World War II veteran who had enlisted in the Army Air Corps in June 1941 and served for 4 years in the European theatre, earning five campaign stars for Algerian French Morocco, Tunisian, Rome-Arno, Naples- Foggia and Northern Apennines campaigns along with a good conduct medal and rising to the rank of staff sergeant. After the war he became a Postal Service rural letter carrier in Strong and retired after 38 years. He was a member of the Masonic lodge and Kiwanis club in Strong and was a volunteer fireman in his younger years, scoutmaster of the Boy Scout troop, trustee for two cemeteries, and a member of the town council.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 28 at Young’s Funeral Directors in El Dorado followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Winston Roden and Rev. Hugh Nelson officiating. Burial will follow at Strong cemetery with Military Honors by the Honor Guard of Little Rock Air Force Base.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Mark United Methodist church at 2010 W. Hillsboro St. in Eldorado, AR 71730.