Larry Allan Nelson, of Winfield, gently passed away in his home on his 80th birthday, March 10, 2020.

Visitation at Miles Funeral Service is from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Friday, March 13, 2020. The family will greet visitors from 4:00 to 6:00 that evening. A celebration of life officiated by Pastor Norman Reeves and Chaplin Chris Hedges will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, March 14, 2020 at Miles Funeral Service. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery.

In memory of Larry, the family asks that you consider making a donation to Kindred Hospice, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Cowley County Humane Society. Donations can be through the funeral home.

Larry was born March 10th, 1940, in Minden, NE, to Verlon and Ellen Evelyn (Friskup) Nelson. When Larry was a young boy, Verlon moved the family to Winfield. One of two children, Larry graduated from Winfield High School in 1957.

Growing up, Larry worked on the family turkey farm, which earned him the nickname and CB handle "Turk". After graduation, he farmed wheat, milo and alfalfa and raised cattle until 1970 when he opened a small welding shop, Nelson Machine & Welding. The business grew and in 1974 became the first company to move into the newly formed Winfield Industrial Park. 50 years later, the business continues under the management of his youngest son, Mark.

Larry married the love of his life Ruth Elaine Spencer on May 21st, 1966 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Arkansas City, KS. The family resided on a farm, which was formerly the historic Twin Mounds General Store, on Cowley County #1 in Winfield for 18 years. The couple briefly moved into town during the mid 1980's, but found they missed country life and have resided east of Winfield for the last 27 years.
Larry was an inventor. Fascinated by puzzles, he could fix or repair anything that was broken. He re-engineered, built and designed everything from racecars to complex grain cleaners. An artist with his hands, he turned beautiful woodcarvings and intricate ornamental ironwork. An avid animal lover, he would often bring home strays and injured wildlife.

Most importantly, he was a loving husband and amazing father to his three children, Laura, Darren and Mark. He taught them how to fix cars, ride horses and love with an open heart. Larry never knew a stranger and his life was filled with trotline fishing buddies, work friends and many in the community he considered family.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years Ruth "Elaine" (Spencer) Nelson, his 3 children, Laura Lombardi (David) Krueger, Darren (Jeanne) Nelson, and Mark (Judy) Nelson; sister, Linda (Sam) Dreher; 13 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Larry's six grandsons will act as pallbearers. He will be laid to rest at Highland Cemetery, in Winfield, KS.