Col. Eric L. Nelson, 60, of Kuttawa, died Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, at his home, surrounded by loved ones.
Eric was born in Princeton, Ky., on Feb. 18, 1963, the son of Patricia and the late Maxie “Mac” Nelson of Princeton.
A graduate of Caldwell County High School and Murray State University, he initially pursued a career in chemistry, but within a year elected to pursue a higher calling, with selection to attend the United States Air Force Officer Training School at Lackland AFB, Texas, in January 1987. After completion, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant.
His military career as a weapons systems officer – first flying F-111s then transitioning to F-15 Strike Eagles – advanced quickly, culminating in leadership positions including squadron and group commander. His career involved deployments around the United States, the United Kingdom and abroad, including combat missions in the Persian Gulf War and Afghanistan. He served in numerous command and administrative positions, overseeing squadron operations and combat missions in multiple tours of duty. His service led to numerous decorations and commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. In his 24-year Air Force career, he received post-graduate master’s degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the USAF Air Command and Staff College, Air War College and Joint Forces Staff College.
He retired from the Air Force as a colonel and transitioned to civilian life in and around his home in Kuttawa. His desire for continued support and service to the community led to tenures as emergency and floodplain manager in Lyon County and as a history instructor at Christian Fellowship School, as well as multiple pastoral and associate roles in the community.
His happiest post-retirement moments, though, were spent with his wife, Kim, and their children and grandchildren on the family hobby farm they created around their Lyon County home. For more than a decade, Eric and Kim planted, nurtured and tended an orchard of fruit trees and grapevines, as well as vegetable and herb gardens. The farm was also home to a rotating menagerie of pets and livestock, from dogs and cats to goats, horses, chickens, guineas and more.
Eric was a football fan until the end, especially of the Kansas City Chiefs. He took pride in being a back-to-back champion of the Nelson Family Football League and, as of Nov. 6, 2023, predicted a Chiefs-49ers faceoff in the 2024 Super Bowl. He loved good food and fine wine and was considered by many to be a walking encyclopedia. He loved music of all genres, both as a listener and a performer. He played guitar and mandolin and could occasionally carry a tune.
He was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2011, at the age of 48. His prognosis was grim, with a five-year life expectancy. Instead of complaining, he became determined to live the remainder of his years to the fullest. He fully immersed himself into his hobby farm, growing every variety of vegetable known to Kentucky soil, until he was no longer physically able. From toiling in the soil, he transitioned to finesse horticulture, planting and cultivating numerous varieties of flowers, herbs and shrubs.
A decade of cancer treatment, including surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, further diminished his physical capabilities and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Undeterred, he threw himself into new pursuits in the ensuing months, including cooking and baking – unlocking the mystery of the Dutch oven – and he could braise beef and make a stew that would fully change your life. When he became too tired to cook, he turned to sketching and drawing, working with Kim, the love of his life, to illustrate her first book, “If You Give a Mouse an Inch”.
When drawing became too difficult, he delighted in one of his oldest loves, sports talk. Competitive by nature, following collegiate and professional sports, especially football, gave him something to look forward to and to think about.
Over his lifetime, Eric was an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction, with a keen interest in history. He mastered an understanding of all major historical periods and developed a true love for the Russian masters – Dostoevsky, Solzhenitsyn, Tolstoy and more. His sense of humor was legendary. He could tell a story that would have you on the edge of your seat until you noticed the twinkle in his eyes and the corners of his mouth begin to turn up.
Eric’s heart and attention were devoted to faith, family and friends. His lifelong faith journey culminated with membership in the Orthodox Church in America, where he found joy in worship with brothers and sisters in Christ at the Protection of the Holy Virgin Mary Mission in Clarksville, Tenn. His desire to follow Jesus and serve others, paired with natural optimism and curiosity, extended to all his pursuits, from sharing a lifetime love of hunting, fishing and the outdoors, preparing meals and fresh-baked breads to share, to providing counsel and guidance to any who asked, in the pursuit of peace, love and compassion for all.
In his passage to Heaven, he is reunited with those who preceded him in death: his father; and a brother, Alex Nelson.
Survivors in addition to his mother include his wife of 39 years, Kimberly Crouch Nelson of Kuttawa; his children, Chad (Kristy) Nelson of Marion; Matthew (Alli) Nelson of Owensboro; Linsey (Jordan) Shrewsbury of Princeton; Caleb Nelson of Kuttawa; Travis (Courtney) Nelson of Destin, Florida; and Emily (Cy) Marshall of Lexington; 11 grandchildren, CJ, Addie and Eliza Nelson of Marion, Embrey, Tanner, Millie, Eleanor and Jude Nelson of Owensboro, Claire Shrewsbury of Princeton, Levi Nelson of Kuttawa, and Evelyn Marshall of Lexington; a brother, Jared Nelson of Princeton; sister-in-law, Cathy Cosat Nelson of Orange City, FL; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.
A religious ceremony will take place Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Protection of the Holy Virgin Mary Mission in Clarksville, Tenn. Local visitation will take place from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at Morgan’s Funeral Home in Princeton, with graveside services to follow at 3 p.m. at Norman-Dalton Cemetery in Fredonia.
Morgan’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
You may light a candle or leave a message for the family at www.morgansfuneralhome.com
