Howard Nelson, 81, died Jan. 1, 2007, at Hutchinson Hospital.

He was born May 27, 1925, in Arlington, the son of Leonard and Mabel Simmons Nelson. He graduated from Arlington High School in 1943. A longtime Arlington community resident, moving to Hutchinson in 1974, he was an Arlington farmer and stockman, worked for Reno County Sheriff's Department as a warrant officer and undersheriff.

He belonged to First Congregational Church, Hutchinson and Reno County Conservation Board for 25 years. He was an Army Air Forces veteran. He also volunteered for Arlington Fire Department.

On Aug. 19, 1945, he married Ollie F. Pratt in Hutchinson. She survives.

Others survivors include: a son, Johnnie, Wichita; a brother, Dwane, Wichita; four grandchildren, Sarah, Leonard, Anna and Veronica Nelson; six great-grandchildren, Leah, Andra, Kavon, Miki, Elijah and Ili Dana; one daughter-in-law, Grace Shultz; nephews, Gary Nelson and Buddy Sodowsky; special friend, Charles Maddox; and many other nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Esther Krob.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with Pastor Matt Stafford presiding. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. today at Elliott Mortuary. Burial will be in Sego Cemetery, rural Arlington.

Memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association, in care of the funeral home.

Personal condolences may be sent to: www.elliottmortuary.com.