Renhart W. Nelson

Renhart William “Ren” Nelson, 76, of Fort Smith passed away Monday, Jan. 18, 2016, in Fort Smith. He was born March 31, 1939, in Little Rock to Eugene F. Nelson and Olive Hering Nelson. He graduated from Columbia Military Academy in Columbia, Tennessee. He served with the U.S. Army’s 513th Military Intelligence Group in Frankfurt, Germany. Later, he served two tours of duty with the United States Marines in Viet Nam. Ren had an incredible memory and family renown for having read as a younger man, and seemingly remembered ever after, the entire World Book Encyclopedia from A-Z. A quiet and humble man, he was ever cheerful, perpetually calm; and, for the last half of his life, unflinching in tolerance to the physical pain of chronic disease.

His final six years of life were spent peacefully at Peachtree Village assisted living. The family is immensely grateful to the wonderful staff for their care of “Nelson”, especially Peachtree’s graciously accommodating administrator Charlene Cates, office manager Nancy Sullivan, attendant Sonya; and most fondly, Rita Montes, who cared for Ren so lovingly his entire stay.

He is survived by six nieces and three nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Eugene F. “Gene” Nelson Jr and Richard Hering “Dick” Nelson, both of Fort Smith.

A private family graveside service will be directed by Edwards Funeral Home. As a memorial, remember the veterans. Many have paid a very high personal price for what we all enjoy.

To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com