Jerry L. Nelson

Jerry L. Nelson, age 57 years, of Jefferson City, passed away Thursday, November 18, 2010, at his home. He was born on June 1, 1953, in Wray, Colo., the son of Bernard and Sandra Vibber Nelson. He was married on September 3, 1977, in Imperial, Neb., to Debra J. Hansen, who survives at the home. Jerry was a 1971 graduate of Chase County High School, Imperial, Neb., and a 1995 graduate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a PhD in English. He served in the United States Navy as a Seabee during the Vietnam Conflict. A resident of the central Missouri area since 1999, he was employed as Associate Professor and Department Head for English, Foreign Languages, and Journalism at Lincoln University. He was previously employed at Sinte Gleska University in Mission, S.D. He enjoyed woodworking, home remodeling, playing guitar and spending time with family and friends. Survivors include: his wife of 33 years, Debra; his son, Zachary Nelson of Costa Mesa, Calif.; his daughter, Alyson Nelson of Jefferson City, Mo.; his granddaughter, Serenity Ella Ray of Jefferson City, Mo.; his parents, Bernard and Sandra Nelson of Benkelman, Neb.; and two aunts, Betty Deyle of Benkelman, Neb. and Maxine Reckard of Largo, Fla. Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. Monday. A Celebration of Jerry's Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 22, 2010, in the Freeman Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Jerry Nelson Memorial Fund. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman M