Byron "Tom" Thomas Nelson

Byron Thomas (Tom) Nelson, 70, of Bettendorf, Iowa passed away peacefully at home on Friday, February 16, 2018. He spent his last days surrounded by the love and support of his family. Visitation will be held from 1-2 PM, Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at The Runge Mortuary. Online tributes may be expressed at www.rungemortuary.com. Tom was born on March 2, 1947 to C. Byron Nelson and Betty Mae Page in Davenport, Iowa. He spent his childhood growing up alongside his younger brother, Jack. He attended West High School graduating in 1965. Following high school, he enlisted with the Navy in 1966 and served for 8 years throughout the Vietnam War. He was stationed at the Naval Air Station on Guam as a member of the VW-1 Squadron, spending part of his time in Vietnam. He shared many stories of his experiences, including being part of an air crew that flew through typhoons. He was very proud of his military service. As a man of great integrity and moral character, he felt a sense of duty to uphold his values and do what is right. His service to our country is just one example of this. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he accepted a position at John Deere as an electrician. He served at Harvester Works for 32 years, retiring in 2006. A car enthusiast, he enjoyed researching different makes and models and attending car shows. He collected tools and was extremely handy around the house. He loved spending time working in his garage. Tom married S. Kim Servison in 1968 and they went on to have two children, Jennifer DeWitte (Scott Nekola), and Jeffrey Nelson (Rhonda Beckenbaugh). They spent many years together and remained friends for life. Tom spent the last four years of his life happily married to Linsey Nelson. She was a great source of comfort and companionship to him. He added to his circle of family with the addition of her sons, Matthew Nunnally (Christi) and Andrew Nunnally (Sarah). He was blessed with eight grandchildren: Rebecca DeWitte, Mitchell DeWitte, Jacob Nelson, Logan Nelson, Mason DeWitte, Jackson Nunnally, Parker Nunnally, and Maggie Nunnally. Of all of Tom’s accomplishments, he found the most joy in his role as a father and grandfather. He especially enjoyed throwing around a football, watching movies, having Nerf gun battles, playing cards, and watching his grandchildren participating in sports. Tom’s passing was preceded by those of his parents, C. Byron Nelson and Betty Mae Page; and his brother, Jack Nelson