Joseph R. Nelson, 73, of Etna Green, passed away peacefully at his residence on Tuesday May 5, 2026, with his wife at his side.

Born on January 1, 1953, in Indianapolis, he was the son of Oscar and Fannie (Thompson) Nelson. Joseph would join the United States Navy where he was a welder on the USS Worden.

After he was honorably discharged from the United States Navy, he continued to weld, working for PiRod Tower in Plymouth and then retiring from Nello Inc. of Bremen.  

On August 24,1973 he would marry Lola Hardesty and they would share 52 years making memories.  In his spare time, he adored being with his grandchildren, traveling all over the United States watching them race go-carts, and being their “wrench man”. He was a lover of old cars and riding his motorcycle. He also took pleasure in the great outdoors, especially when fishing.

Joseph is survived by his wife Lola A. Nelson, daughter; Carrie A. Nelson (Sam Bird), grandchildren; Cody R. Hersha (Morgan Blackshire), Taylor M. Brandon (Amanda Boone) and Cory J. (Claire) Hersha, and his great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, a daughter Nichole Nelson Brandon, and his sister Cora Watts.

All services for Joseph will be private.