Arthur Brian Nelson

Arthur Brian Nelson packed a lot of living into those years before his health declined. To those who knew him well, it’s no surprise he always strived to be the best at everything, he was a very hard worker and extremely competitive... just ask the Calvary Temple softball team; but the most memorable thing about Art was the positive outlook he kept despite the odds being stacked against him with his health and sometimes life in general. Art looked for ways to help others, and serving began early when he attained the rank of Eagle Scout.  He went on to join the Army National Guard, and served honorably in the United States Air Force after which he joined the Independence Police Department to protect and serve before his health forced him into early retirement from his Federal Court Clerk position for the courts in Kansas City, Kansas.

Arthur never met a stranger and if he liked you, there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for you.  He volunteered for the Care People, ushered and ran the sound booth at church, volunteered at Benny Hinn crusades and was an all-around Mr. Fixit for anyone that needed it.  He enjoyed going to Swap n’ Shop and considered it bonding time with Beth Renee although she didn’t quite feel the same way… lol! He could easily sell you ocean front property in the Mojave Desert…he was just that good at communicating and passed that talent on to his son Jordan. Art’s gift was making the adventures of his life into stories so interesting and vivid, no doubt he could have written a bestseller.  Some of the tales were so big it was hard to believe they were credible, but it was true…like the time he rode on Air Force One with President Jimmy Carter during his military service. His stories along with a fun-loving nature made him the favorite uncle; favorite road trip warrior and the life of the party, just ask about the time he won the coveted PINK HANGER Award at the Baldknobber’s Jamboree on a family vacation to Branson.  Whenever a trip was mentioned, Art was ready to go and always so patient when Sandy wanted to shop at every store or when KK took them on the never-ending hunt to find Buckner Tarsney Road to get the perfect Christmas tree, which we never found.  He was like the mailman...neither rain, sleet nor snow would stop him on an adventure, so we headed to Holt, MO in an ice storm to get the most beautiful, flocked Christmas tree ever.  By the time we got back to KC it was frozen solid and took two days to thaw out and is a cherished family memory to this day.

The thing Art was most proud of in his life were his children and grandchildren!  He never wanted to miss out on an opportunity to tell someone about them or watch any activity or sport they might be in.  He was so happy to spend time with Jackson, Grant and now Maverick who he just got to meet a few weeks before he passed away.  He loved spoiling his grandsons and was affectionately known as “Willy Wonka” to the older ones for helping them to develop their sweet tooth with a smorgasbord of candy. Art loved the Lord and one of the last things he talked about before dying was God’s grace. We are sure he’s helping welcome the newcomers at the pearly gates in heaven, greeting them with a big smile and a hug while sharing stories of the great adventures he’s already had since getting there.

Arthur Brian Nelson was born on February 26, 1955, and passed away at the age of 70 on May 21, 2025, at Saint Luke’s Hospice House, He leaves behind his wife Sandra Nelson, his daughter Beth Sumrall (Danny), his son Jordan Nelson (Brittany), his grandson’s Jackson and Grant Sumrall and Maverick Nelson along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, nursing assistants and all of the staff at Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City, Bishop Spencer Place, Spectrum Home Health and Saint Luke’s Palliative Care and Hospice House for the kindness and excellent care they gave Art during his many years of illness; and a special thanks to all of you for the expressions of love for Art and the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Arthur's memory may be made to American Diabetes Foundation, https://diabetes.org/; and American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/.