Bro Eric Wayne Nelson Obituary (1960 - 2020)

Eric Wayne Nelson, our loving, one of a kind, godly husband, father, step-father, grandfather, and brother, passed away Saturday, October 10, 2020 at Baptist Health Hospital in Madisonville, KY. He was born May 18, 1960 in Madisonville to Martha Louise Sisk Nelson and the late Arnold Wayne Nelson. He was preceded in death by grandparents, Arnold and Evelyn Nelson, and Chester and Othela (Pill) Sisk. Eric was a Pastor at Real Life Church but ministered everywhere he went. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed playing golf, with his sons especially, going to ball games with friends, and loved sports in general . Eric drove a Special Needs bus for Hopkins County Schools and was Transportation Specialist of the Year. He was a people person who never met a stranger. He always encouraged people to be their best. He is survived by his wife and soul mate of 22 years, Mary Schreiber Nelson; four sons, Joshua (Kathleen) Nelson of Madisonville and Caleb (Andrea) Nelson of Madisonville, Nathan (Lauren) Downs of Louisville, KY and Aaron Downs of Madisonville; two daughters, Erica (Noah) Strader of Nashville, TN and Bethany (Brandon) Ferrantino of Madisonville; mother and second father, Martha and Terry Nelson of Rabbit Ridge; brother, Barry (Debbie) Nelson of Madisonville; six grandchildren, Taylor Nelson, Brooklyn Nelson, Maddox Downs, CJ Nelson, Emmett Downs, and Ellie Nelson; and nephew, Blake (Brianna) Nelson of North Carolina. Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Tuesday October 13, 2020 at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home with a dear friend, Rev. Marvin Hightower officiating. Burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery in Dawson Springs. Visitation will be from 3:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Monday and from 12:00 P.M. until the service time Tuesday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Nick Foster, George Black, Travis Collins, Chris Hill, Tate McGregor, and Troy Smith. Memorial contributions may be made to Real Life Church. Envelopes will be made available at the funeral home.