Obituary of Thomas Henry Nelson

Thomas Henry Nelson, 67, of Berrien Springs, passed away at Lakeland Hospital in Niles on Sunday, December 16, 2012, with his wife Kathleen at his side. Tom was born on December 2, 1945 to the late James and Agnes (Beindit) Nelson in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. Tom was an avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed many days in his boat with his friends and his wife. He made many things for family and friends in his wood working shop, bringing smiles to everyone he gave his creations to. A U.S. Army service member from October 1966 to October 1968 and his duties included a tour in Vietnam. He was always known for his compassion to all service members and a relentless advocate for the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Tom was a dedicated family man. He and his wife enjoyed the outdoors and loved their garden, their beautiful yard and all their various shared interests. Tom was also a Detroit Tigers fan. Tom is survived by his wife Kathleen of Berrien Springs, a brother Donald (Jean) Nelson of Chesterfield, Michigan, a sister Anne (Jerry) Thomas of Chesterfield, Kathleen's parents Irve and Audrey Swihart of Avon Park, Florida, Kathleen's brother Dennis (Lynda) Daley of Ankeny, Iowa, nieces and nephews; Paul (Gail) Daley of Osceola, Indiana, Denise (Brandon) Chapman of Ankeny, Iowa, Donny (Heather) Daley of Greenville, Michigan, Nick (Julie) Aiuto of Harrison Township, Steve (Amy) Gronley of Chesterfield, Andy (Shannon) Card of Macomb and Mike (Becky) Nelson of Berkley and 11 great nieces and nephews. A time of visitation will be held at Brown Funeral Home on Thursday, December 20, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a rosary service at 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 21, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Brown Funeral Home in Niles with an interment to follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens with full military honors provided by the Berrien Springs American Legion. Memorial donations may be made in Tom's memory to the American Legion Post 85, 112 N. Bluff Street, Berrien Springs, MI 49103 or the VFW Post 4952, Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103. Those wishing to upload a photo of Tom or leave a message of condolence for his family may do so on our website at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com