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ELMER NELSON JR.

LAKE, W.Va. — Rev. Elmer “Shagpoke” Nelson Jr., 80, of Lake, went to be with his Lord Monday, July 30, 2012, peacefully at his home.

Born November 24, 1931, at Ethel, he was a son of the late Elmer Sr. and Focie Meeks Nelson. Also preceding him in death were three of his precious children, Sharon Rollins, Cathy Casto and Douglas Nelson, and four brothers, Homer Nelson, Franklin Nelson, Bill Hayes and Jimmy Nelson.

Elmer was a retired coal miner for 32 years; he was an ordained minister for 54 years and served as pastor of the Blair Freewill Baptist Church. He also served as Chaplain for the Lake VFD for 22 years. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends hunting, fishing, riding his four-wheeler and spending time with Mike Honaker and Kevin Cooke at Honaker Funeral Home and visits with his friend Jamie Mullins.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Hettie Nichols Nelson, who was the love of his life; one daughter, Sherry Nelson Vincent of Chapmanville; one special daughter-in-law, Melody Nelson of Lake; brothers, Teddy (Autherine) Nelson of North Carolina, Amos (Barb) Nelson of Pennsylvania, and Charlie (Margie) Nelson of Lake; one sister-in-law, Lena Nelson of Lake; grandchildren, Michael Douglas (Kelly) Aleshire, Mark Vincent, and Roger Ray (Frances) Casto, all of Chapmanville, Teresa (Tim) Darnell, Doug (Amanda) Nelson, and special granddaughter, Heather Vincent, all of Lake, and Chawndala (Trevor) Tackett of Wharton; great-grandchildren, Makayla and Lauren Aleshire, Emily, Caylee and Colton Eplin, Jonathan, Zack and Brianna Casto and Preston and Parker Nelson, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 4, at Mt. Mission Church at Lake with Revs. Andrew Miller, Wiley Kent, Woodrow Chambers and Bobby Belcher officiating. Burial will follow in Nichols Cemetery on Nichols Branch at Lake.

Visitation will be from 6-10 p.m. Friday at the church.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions be made to Mrs. Hettie Nelson, PO Box 294, Lake, WV 25121.

Condolences may be left at www.honakerfuneralhome.org

Honaker Funeral Home of Logan is in charge of arrangements.