Larry Robert Nelson, age 77, of Davenport, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at Genesis East Medical Center, Davenport. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 11 (today), at Blue Grass Presbyterian Church. A visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m., prior to the service at the church. Private entombment will take place in Oakdale Cemetery, Davenport. Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army or to the family. Donations made to the family will be used to establish a scholarship at Davenport West High School in his memory. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Larry was born on June 14, 1947, the son of Robert and Jacqueline (McCleary) Nelson in Davenport. He graduated from Davenport West High School with the Class of 1965. Larry married Leslie Lowe on Sept. 4, 1966, and later married Donna Wilson on Oct. 27, 1973.
Larry spent his career dedicated to hard work, starting alongside his family at McCleary Excavating and later with the City of Davenport’s Streets Department, where he eventually retired. He was also a proud member of the Operating Engineers Local #309. Larry enjoyed woodworking to repairing small engines. He was passionate about collecting 1964 Mercury Comets and old signs, and his love for Ford F-150 trucks was well known. Larry’s mechanical know-how made him the go-to person whenever something needed to be repaired.
Larry will be dearly missed by his wife, Donna; one son, Dale (Amanda) Nelson of Port Orchard, Wash.; four grandchildren, Andrew (Veronica) Nelson, Ariah (Indigo) Brightside, Ariel Nelson-White and Alexander Nelson; three great-grandchildren, Christian, Emery, and Violet; three brothers, Thom (Cindy) Nelson, Ken (Kris) Nelson and Dennis (Julie) Nelson, all of Blue Grass; several nieces and nephews; and a special nephew, Ryan Nelson.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jackie; stepfather, Leonard Decker; and one brother, Jack “Babe” Nelson.
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