Garland Wayne Nelson, age 84, of Charleston, died Friday, May 13, 2022, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston.

He was born May 17, 1937, at Deventer, MO, to the late Alvie Franklin Nelson and Ola Mae Hunt.

On Feb. 18, 1956, he married Kitty Tousky.

Surviving are four daughters, Terry Sprinkles of East Prairie, Mary (Stan) Jones of Matthews, Tammy Marshall of Springfield, and Margaret (Donnie) McDowell of Charleston. His sister Sue Faust of Texas, his brothers Bill Nelson and Donnie (Mary Ann) Nelson both of Texas. five granddaughters Nicole, Kim, Morgan, Ashley and Caitlin. And 11 great grandkids.

He was preceded in death by his wife Kitty, his brother Jerry Ray Nelson, one great-grandson, Kaleb.

He went to work straight out of graduating from school at Brown Shoe Company as a bedlaster. He worked there until they closed the doors around 2000. I think he was the last one out the door.  He worked part-time for Mr. Peachy Lutz refinishing furniture.  He could take the ugliest and most broken piece of furniture and make it a work of art. He also worked for Lee Goodin on the farm.

He loved fishing, hunting, and riding the levee. In the summer the grand kids turned the camper into a playhouse. You would see him sitting in the camper and "eating" what the kids "cooked". He would walk the great-grand kids to the fishpond at the old city hall.

He loved his kids all the grandkids, his community, and life itself. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life will be held from 10:00 a.m. until noon,  Saturday, June 4, 2022, at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston

Interment will be at the IOOF Cemetery at Charleston

McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com