Thomas N. Nelson

Thomas N. Nelson, 75 of Joy, died February 28, 2023, at his nephews’ home in Sherrard, Illinois. Funeral services will be Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 10:30 AM at Speer Funeral Home, Aledo. Visitation is prior to services beginning at 9:00 AM. Burial will be in New Boston Cemetery, New Boston, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Joy Fire Department or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Condolences may be left at speerfuneralhome.com.

Tom was born on October 21, 1947, in Rock Island, Illinois to Edward E. Nelson & Mary (Compas) Nelson. He was previously married to Donna Chapman and Jan Peterson.

Tom dedicated his life to Law Enforcement, beginning with the City of Joy in the 1970’s. He also served Mercer County and lastly the City of Aledo where he worked his way up the ranks from Night Patrol to Chief of Police. He was known as a fair, honest cop. Tom was also a member of the Joy Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and raising his pigeons and chickens.

Tom is survived by his sons and daughter-in-law: Tom & Norma Nelson of Wyoming, IL and Anthony Nelson of Moorhead, MN; siblings: Arthur “Sonny” Nelson of Montour, IA; Stanley “Twerp” & Pam Nelson of Viola; Elaine & Kenneth Dixon of New Boston and Betty Thompson of Viola and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Donald Earl “Butch” Nelson.