Larry Vance Nelson

Larry Vance Nelson, of Kirkwood, Missouri, was born May 26th 1933, in Aurelia, Iowa to Wesley and Esther (Rolfs) Nelson and entered into rest Saturday, August 24, 2024 at his residence in Kirkwood, Missouri at the age of 91 years. He is preceded in death by his wife, Donna Nelson, his parents, Wesley and Esther (Rolfs) Nelson; his son, Steven Nelson; and his five (5) siblings: Maryann Ettinger, David Nelson, Noel Nelson, Caroll Nelson, and Craig Nelson. He is survived by his daughter, Laura (the late Gregory) Smith; his two (2) grandchildren, Cody Smith (now Greenwood) and his wife, Taylor, Carrington Smith; his two (2) sisters, Gretta Earnest and Marcia White; along with extended family and many friends. Larry was a loving husband, beloved brother, and doting grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Nelson, who passed in 2018. Larry enjoyed the companionship of his daughter, Laura, who lived across the street from him. Spending time with his grandchildren, Cody and Carrington, was always a highlight. His sweet dog, Charlie, was always by his side or under his bed during a thunderstorm. Larry was a hardworking individual who had a long and successful career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), retiring after many years of service. However, he was called out of retirement by his old firm, Figgie International, and continued to work one week out of the month for about 10 years, traveling from St. Louis to Georgia and back again with his two (2) Corgis, Rascal and Lady. He tutored students for many years including Kadika Pajazetovic, from Bosnia, to earn her GED and college degree and most recently, Finn Heckendorn, in 2nd and 3rd grade for reading who attends Robinson Elementary school. He was an active member of the Kirkwood United Methodist Church and called on church members to serve as Ambassadors every Sunday and ushered for church as well. His church family was a vital part of his life, and his faith guided him in all he did. Every Saturday morning for the past twenty (20) years, he met with his good friends: Weldon, Leroy, and Dave at Cracker Barrel and later Bob Evans. He also met for breakfast during the week with his KUM men's group and participated in Bible classes. In his leisure time, he loved watching television including football and tennis and such shows as "Have Gun Will Travel", "Wanted Dead or Alive", and Hogan's Heroes. He could often be heard laughing out loud when watching television and was also an avid reader enjoying nonfiction and books by O'Reilly. Larry played squash at work and later played tennis into his eighties, despite having rheumatoid arthritis. He traveled on several cruises to Norway, the Panama Canal, etc. with his sister, Gretta Earnest, and husband, Fred, and brother David Nelson. He was fiercely independent, kind, generous, caring, and beloved by all who came into contact with him. His legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to family and faith will carry on. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at CHAPEL HILL MORTUARY, 10301 Big Bend Road, Kirkwood, Missouri, 63122 to celebrate the life of a man who brought laughter, love, and light to all those who were blessed to know him. Funeral Service will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Hill Mortuary, Kirkwood, Missouri followed by a graveside interment at Oak Hill Cemetery, Kirkwood, Missouri. Family and friends can review and share stories, photos and condolences online at www.stlfuneral.com and follow details of this event and others in the community at www.facebook.com/stlchapelhill.

Larry Vance Nelson

May 26, 1933 - August 24, 2024