Edward Everett Nelson, 94, passed away Thursday, January 7, 2016, with his family by his side. He was born January 2, 1922 in Louisville, KY. He was retired from Tube Turns, a Navy veteran of World War II, “college graduate”, favorite patron of the Churchill Downs betting window, loving husband and father. He started life as a con man – a brilliant creator of twisted schemes and skullduggery – who eventually redeemed himself as the steadfast and devoted caretaker to the love of his life, his wife of 76 years, Wanda Nelson, who survives him.
He is also survived by his son, Edward Nelson III (Janet); his grandchildren, Pam Angel (Jim), Edward Nelson IV (Jacinta), Deana Nelson (August Hayes), and four great-grandchildren, all of Louisville.
He was the most interesting man in any room he occupied, with the most colorful stories and the corniest jokes. He survived alcoholism, drug addiction, several minor and major brushes with the law, and he departed this world the way he lived in it - on his own terms, with his girl by his side. He is currently asking St. Peter, “You know who I saw today?” Long pause. “Everybody I looked at.”
A service to celebrate Mr. Nelson’s life will be held at 10 am Monday in the Southern Chapel of Arch L. Heady & Son, 3601 Taylor Blvd. with burial to follow in Louisville Memorial Gardens West. Visitation will be from 2-8 pm Sunday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a bet at Churchill on a horse with “Tiger” in the name, or to Habitat for Humanity. Online condolences may be shared with the family at, www.archlheadysouthernfh.com.
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