Gary "Rocky" K. Nelson

Gary "Rocky" K. Nelson, 94 of Chatham, IL, formerly of Lake KaHo, Springfield, and Litchfield, IL, passed away Monday evening, March 23, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield, IL.  

Gary was born December 16, 1931, in Litchfield, IL, a son of Kenneth Nelson and Melvina (Hensley) Nelson.  He graduated from Litchfield High School with the Class of 1949 and after high school, enrolled in Blackburn College, before enlisting in the United States Navy to serve in the Korean War.

After his service to our country, he furthered his education and earned a Bachelor's Degree at Indiana Tech.  He married Phyllis Boyd on April 26, 1953 in Litchfield, IL.

Gary spent his career as a civil engineer for the Illinois Department of Transportation, until his retirement in 1991.  His most notable project was helping plan and design Interstate 55.  He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church,  Litchfield VFW, Engineering Society of Illinois, and served on the Lake KaHo Village Board.  Gary was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, enjoyed traveling with his family, bowling, hunting, golfing, and working on cars in his garage.  He also attended many Navy ship reunions, as well as, took two Honor Flights-one as a guardian and one as a Veteran.  Gary enjoyed staying active, he enjoyed roller coasters, went zip-lining in his 80s, and played bocce just last summer.  Gary's greatest joy was helping others and volunteering; he helped with Meals on Wheels and Mt. Olive Care Center Food Pantry for 30 years after he retired. 

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, son, Bradley Hewitt, and brother, Glenn Nelson.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm at Litchfield Family Funeral Service, 700 South State St. Litchfield, IL.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 3:00 pm, Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Litchfield Family Funeral Service.

In accordance with his wishes, Gary's body was donated to science to further medical research and education.

Gary is survived by his wife, Phyllis Nelson, son, David (Elizabeth) Nelson of Staunton, IL, daughter, Susan (William) Kessler of Chatham, IL, daughter, Nancy (Joseph) Moore of Chatham, IL, grandchildren, Michael, Meaghan, Josephine, Kenneth, Jacob, and William, and 13 Great Grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lutheran Social Service of Illinois or Land of Lincoln Honor Flight.

Litchfield Family Funeral Service, Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.

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