Fred W. Nelson

Fred W. Nelson, 86, of Vandalia, Missouri, passed away on February 22, 2026, at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00p.m. Monday, March 2, 2026, at the Waters Funeral Home. Pastor Jamie Franke will officiate. Burial will be at the Vandalia cemetery following the services

Visitation celebrating Fred's life will be held at 12p.m. until the time of service Monday at the Waters Funeral Home.

Fred was born on June 4, 1939, the son of the late Guy Nelson and the late Susie Lennington.

Fred is survived by his children, Allen (Cheryl) Nelson of Auxvasse, Missouri; Russell (Caroline) Nelson of Reeds Springs, Missouri; and Lavanna Templeman of Bowling Green, Missouri. He is also survived by his granddaughters, Megan Admier, Kami Coulter, and Scarlett Templeman; six great-granddaughters, Madyson, Leilani, Kathleen Coulter, Jocelyn Coulter, Layna Jaye, and Ira Lowe Levecoff.

He was united in marriage to Mary Nelson, who preceded him in death. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Gale, Ivan, Glen Nelson, and his sisters, Retha Nelson, Vera Orf, Lucy Skillman and Nina Drainer.

Fred graduated from high school and proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was employed for many years as a Purchaser at the Harbison Walker Brick Plant in Vandalia, Missouri, where he dedicated his career until retirement. He was a faithful member and at one time served as a Deacon at the First Christian Church in Vandalia, Missouri. Fred was active in his community, volunteering at the local food pantry and holding membership in the Sportsman Club and the Country Club. An avid bowler who loved the outdoors, he especially enjoyed hunting and fishing. Above all, Fred loved his family and his community deeply.

Those serving as Pallbearers will be Rick Hickerson, Steve Maiden, Tracy Maiden, Cliff Nelson, Lee Maiden, Bill Maiden

Memorial contributions may be made to the VA Hospital, in care of Waters Funeral Home

Online condolences may be made to the family on Fred's memorial page at www.watersfuneral.com

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