Clinton Junior Nelson

     Clinton Junior Nelson, age 91, of Elwell, MI, passed away at his home on Saturday, September 10, 2022.

     In following Clinton’s wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will hold a private memorial.

     Clinton was born in Seville Township, on May 25, 1931, the son of Ray and Nina (Parks) Nelson.  He grew up a farm boy loving every minute.  He married the love of his life, Mabel Mallory on December 1, 1951.  A month later he was called to serve his country in the Korean War.

     He decided he could best serve as an Army paratrooper; going through rigorous training to be one of the 200 out of 400 to make it. He was stationed overseas first in Japan then in Korea. In 1954 his last jump was to be a night jump into Cambodia. They were told to pack their personal belongings to be sent home to loved ones.  Fate or God’s intervention, two hours before their flight, President Eisenhower, canceled the mission.  The enemies were ready; there would have been no survivors.  In May, the war ended and he was able to finally to start his life with his wife and year old son.  He received the Bronze Star; the United Nations Service Medal; the Korean War Service Medal; the National Defense Medal.  He remained in the Army Reserves until 1962; ready to serve his country in any capacity.

     On his return home he worked for Detroiter Mobile Home; where he became foreman.  The Motor Wheel of Lansing where he was tool-dye supervisor, ending his career at Lobdell Emery in Alma as supervisor.  He was loved by all who worked for him for his strong work ethics, fairness and generosity of heart.

    His love and life were his family, especially his wife of sixty-eight years, Mabel. They raised two children in a loving Christian home they created together where he lived for seventy years.  He not only worked a full-time job but also built furniture; ran a used furniture/antique store, The Trading Post, doing everything he could do to provide for his family; no job too big or difficult.  He was a true Christian gentleman.  He was proud to be an American; a hero.

     He is survived by his son Greg Nelson of Ithaca, MI; daughter Teresa (Michael) McGill of Central Lake, MI; former daughter-in-law Patricia (John) Earegood of Alma, MI; two grandchildren: Christopher (Holly) Nelson of Adrian, MI; and Lance Nelson of Alma, MI; two great-grandchildren: Noel and Bodie Nelson of Adrian, MI; sisters-in-law: Nancy Mallory of Wheeler, MI; and Ann Nelson of Midland, MI.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife Mabel, brothers: Homer (Alice), Ronald (Roma), Harley, Lowell, and Arthur Nelson; sisters: Ivah (David) Manley, Donnavere (Rusty) Rusmisel, Joyce Nelson-Owen and Nettie May Nelson; and brother-in-law Dewey Mallory.  

     Clinton loved animals especially the many loyal family dogs he had throughout his life. Therefore his wish was that in his memory, gifts can be made to his favorite animal rescue, Dalis to the Rescue, 303 Valley Ave, Alma, MI 48801.  Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.