PEA RIDGE — Robert Owen Nelson,

85, of Pea Ridge, Ark., died at 3:29 p.m. Saturday, October 21, 2023, peacefully in his home with family by his side.

He was born in Centralia, Wash., on February 17, 1938, to Emmet Robert Nelson and Emma Pedee Nelson. He graduated from Centralia High School in 1955 and studied at Saint Martin’s University receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972. Robert was a Vietnam Veteran having served 30 years in the United States Air Force. He was honorably discharged and retired as a Technical Sergeant. He was proud to serve his country. In his earlier years, Robert enjoyed salmon fishing with his father near their home in the state of Washington. As a voracious reader with a thirst for knowledge, Robert was the first person in his family to earn a college degree. Robert generally read more than three books per week during his life. In retirement, he and his wife, Patricia, enjoyed traveling to visit family across the United States. As an avid Boston Red Sox fan, Robert always ensured he had access to the television for every game whether he was on the road or at home. Known for his affable and caring nature, he will be missed by family, friends, neighbors, and fellow veterans. He is preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Patricia Nelson; siblings, Bea Lohr, Margo Guntrum and Bud Nelson; and a grandson, Marcus Nelson.

Survivors are his children, Dennis L. Nelson (Willadean) of Garfield, Ark., Robert O. Nelson II (Gayle) of Weston, Mass., Anne Marie Simpson (Paul) of Mt. Desert, Maine, Bryan Robert Nelson (Stephanie) of Chelmsford, Mass., Steven M. Nelson (Abbi) of Rogers, Ark.; grandchildren, Parker, Connor, Maxwell, Heidi, Sadie, Trevor and Colin; former wife, Nancy Nelson.

Per his wishes, a private memorial service will be planned for a future date. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Paralyzed Veterans of America organization at the address below: Paralyzed Veterans of America Office of Individual Giving 1875 Eye St. NW, Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20006-5421 https://pva.org/. Online condolences may be made at siscofuneralhome.net.