Wayne A. Nelson “beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather”
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA---Wayne A. Nelson, 89, of Shinglehouse, passed away with his loving family by his side at the home of his daughter, on Monday, July 14, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Wayne was born on Wednesday, December 11, 1935 at the family home in Mills, PA, where he spent his childhood and early adult life until moving to Shinglehouse in 1961. He was a son of Lawrence and Freda Pride Nelson. On April 20, 1960 in Mills, he married Dorothy L. Mills, who passed away on July 30, 2022.
Wayne was a graduate of the former Harrison Valley High School, Class of 1953. In 1954, he enlisted in the US Army, serving in Schweinfurt, Germany. Wayne was employed as a machinist and truck driver for the former Clark Brothers in Olean, which later became Dresser-Rand, where he retired in 1998 after more than 40 years of service.
Wayne was a member of Bell Run Union Church in Shinglehouse, where he had previously served as a deacon and a trustee. He was a 50+ year life member of the Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department where he previously held the position of assistant chief. He was a member of the Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530 and a member of the Oswayo Valley Senior Center in Shinglehouse. He and his wife enjoyed square dancing, having been members of the Grand Squares of Wellsville. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, and cars. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR, the NY Mets, and golf on television. On Wednesdays he met his former co-workers from Dresser for coffee in Olean. His greatest love was spending time with his family.
Left to cherish his memory are a son, Rodney L. Nelson of Portageville, NY; two daughters, Pamela (Greg) Maxson of Shinglehouse and Linda (Dale Jr.) Davis of Bolivar, NY; four grandchildren, Kyle (Shauna) Maxson, Blake Maxson, Dustin (Teal) Davis and Drew Davis; six great-grandchildren, Finn and Boone Maxson, and Bryce, Zachary, Damon and Cade Davis; two sisters, Edith Nelson of Mills and Edna (John) Logue of Watersonville, PA; a sister-in-law, Donna Nelson of Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, Wayne was predeceased by two brothers, Robert Nelson and Henry Nelson; and a sister-in-law, Wilma Mills Nelson.
Family and friends may call from 10am to 12 noon on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Bell Run Union Church, 904 Taylor Brook Road, Shinglehouse, where a memorial service will follow at noon with Pastor Chad E. Shaffer, officiating. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse.
Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors on Saturday at the church.
Members of the Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department will pay their respects on Saturday in the church.
The family wishes to convey special thanks to the caregivers of UPMC Cole Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Wayne’s name may be made to Bell Run Union Church, 904 Taylor Brook Road, Shinglehouse, PA 16748 or to the Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 475, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.
Wayne’s family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Wayne, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Bell Run Union Church
Bell Run Union Church
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