Tony Louis Nason

Tony Louis Nason, was born to the union of E.L. and Gay Marie Nason on March 16, 1951, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. A beloved husband and father, who lived a life filled with music, love, and a boundless curiosity for the universe, passed away on December 1, 2024, in Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Preceding him in death was his father E.L. and mother Gay Marie Nason and, Giovanni Melero (grandson) and Alivia Nason (granddaughter).

Tony leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Deborah Nason; two daughters, Antala (Higinio) Melero, and Crystal Nason; one son Arsenio Nason (Chanda Nory). He is also survived by five grandchildren (Higinio Melero Jr., Antonio Melero, Sequoia Nason, Arsenio Nason Jr., Avalynn Nason). He is also survived by his brothers Michael Nason, Edward Charles (Geraldine) Nason, Kenneth Nason, his sister Kimberly Nason Grooms, and adopted sister Patricia Amerson. Also, a host of nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends who enriched his life.

Tony spent many years in Chicago, Illinois, where he pursued his passions for music, astronomy, filmmaking, and scriptwriting. A graduate of Kennedy-King College, he furthered his education by earning certifications in astronomy and healthcare. Alongside his creative and academic pursuits, Tony worked as an independent taxicab driver, enjoying the connections he made with people from all walks of life. Later, he retired to Jacksonville, Florida, where he continued to explore his diverse interests in filming and received guitar lessons.

As a founding member of the Groovepushers, also known as The Chicago's Funk Mob, Tony shared his musical talents with the world, bringing joy and rhythm to countless lives. The Grooverpushers performed as the house band for the Jenny Jones Show. The band performed at many clubs, festivals, concerts and venues all over the Chicagoland area such as the Hawthorne Racetrack opening for Morris Day and the Time. The band also performed at a host of other locations such as Madison Square Garden in New York City. He had the opportunity to meet and work with many entertainers such as Gene Chandler, James Brown, George Clinton, Ohio Players, The Gap Band, Bootsy Collins, Parliament-Funkadelic/Original P, Con Funk Shun, Kool & The Gang, Charlie Wilson, Cameo, and Morris Day and The Time. As well as many local radio station personalities such as Herb Kent and LaDonna Tittle in the Middle. As a teenager, he gave Chaka Chan a ride on his bicycle. His passion for music was only surpassed by his love for his family and friends. Tony was a kind and gentle soul, always ready with a warm smile and a helping hand. A gifted musician and a brilliant mind, Tony was a true inspiration.

Tony had a dream to become an actor at an early age. When he expressed his dream to others, he received laughs in his face. He learned not everyone can become an actor but that does not mean their dream is over. He continued his entertainment career behind the scenes. He was a dedicated video professional, mastering the intricacies of the Camera, Electrical, Sound, and Crew Departments to bring stories to life with precision and creativity. He met a director and mentor by the name of Juan Frausto, who described him as an awesome, humble guy who always gave his best. He had the privilege to work by his side to help create the movie “Get Pony Boy”. He was also known for his works in the following movies: “Vacant”, “Let Go”, "Not Scene”, and “Before Mirrors”. Even though he never found a career in front of the camera, his dream was not over. He assisted in creating wonderful movies that brought joy into the hearts of others.

His love for learning led him to explore the vast expanse of the cosmos, sharing his knowledge with others and sparking curiosity in all who listened. You could always find him looking up at the celestial sky. His love for science and astronomy was astonishing. He was a walking textbook. Any question you had about the stars and planets, rest assured, he had the answer. His homes were always outfitted with maps, pictures of galaxies, and telescopes. He loved watching the Smithsonian Channel, the Discovery Channel, and Animal Planet. He taught the solar system to aspiring minds at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, Illinois. What more can you expect from a man whose hero is Galileo.

Tony had love for not only people, but a lot of love for amazing animals. He could always be found caring for a pet. He loved an alligator named George, a golden retriever named Brandi, a Shih Tzu named Augie Doggie, a dog named Misty Puppy, a dog named Elvis, a golden retriever named Rocky, a white rat named Rat’tina, an iguana named Kirby, an American bulldog named Petey, a cat named Cat, and many fish, bunnies, and even a snapping turtle. Tony pursued a brief career as a dog trainer and a K9 security officer. Tony enjoyed the exotic animals so much that he zipped lined over the alligators at the Alligator Farm in Florida. He didn’t even flinch when he got stuck on the line over a hungry alligator. That’s how he lost his first leg….just kidding. He would have loved that joke. For real, the staff did have to come rescue him.

Tony's hobbies throughout the years included cooking, Kung-Fu, mountain climbing, fishing, and learning about wildlife.

A visitation for Tony will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Lake View Funeral Home, 5000 North Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL 62208. A celebration of life will occur immediately following the visitation at Lake View Memorial Gardens. A committal service will take place Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 2:15 in Mt. Vernon, IL at Memorial Gardens, 6449 IL-15, Woodlawn, IL 62898. Lastly, there will be a memorial gathering on Monday, December 16, 2024, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at 77755 Lumber Creek Blvd., Yulee Florida 32097.