Carl David Nelson passed away, after a short illness on June 10th surrounded by his loving family.

Carl was born in Rock Island, Illinois on September 10th 1936. He is survived by his wife Lanita, who was the love of his life, and his two sons Carl David Nelson (known as Rusty), Clinton Doyle Nelson (known as Killer) and Clinton's wife, Mallory Case.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and three sisters.

Other surviving members of Carl's extended family include Dorothy and Robert Potter of Davenport, Iowa, Mary Nelson of Dubuque, Iowa, John Michael and Paula Nelson of Conroe, Texas, Lori and Kenneth Kenniker of Fort Myers, Florida and Edwin Allen Nelson and MaryEllen McKee of Brooklyn, New York.

After serving in the Army, Carl enjoyed a long career as an inventor and mechanical expert. He joined the J. I. Case Company as a member of the esteemed Research & Development Engineering Team. In this role, he received multiple awards and was granted numerous patents for mechanical engineering innovation. Later, Carl joined the Spence Implement Company where he became vice-president and passed along his passion for mechanics to his sons.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 14, 2021 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis.

A Celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at 10 a.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary Chapel of Ennis.  Pallbearers will be: Carl Nelson, Jr., Clint Nelson, Ed Nelson, Brad Spence, Bobby Case and Kyle Liska.  Honorary Pallbearers will be: Taylor Hrnjak, Carosn Hrnjak, Ned Pleiner, Jim Kubala, James Valek, Wes Odlozil, Chad Spence, Kevin Taylor and Spence Morton.  Interment will follow in Rice Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.

www.jekeevermortuary.com