Robert E. "Bob" Nelson

Robert (Bob) Nelson passed away on August 21, 2026. He was born in Lemmon, South Dakota, on March 25, 1954, to Wilber Nelson and Anna (Wiedmer) Nelson.

Bob spent his childhood in Lemmon, where he met and married his wife, Patricia (Patti) Whiteshield in 1971. Together, they had and raised 3 children: Robert (Bobby), Gaylene (Sunny), and Charmaine (Charms).

Bob took his role as a provider to heart, and he possessed a very strong work ethic, starting with odd jobs in his youth. He was a reliable and hard worker throughout his working years in the oilfield and driving trucks. He loved spending time with family and friends and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He never met a stranger. Bob always seemed to leave a lasting impression, with his quick wit and ornery sense of humor. He loved his family and friends fully and wholeheartedly.

Those lucky enough to know Bob knew him to be a pillar of strength, a protector of family and friends, a gentle heart, a giver of smiles and laughter, and he always had a way with words. Whether you needed a kind ear, a bear hug, a laugh, wise words, or a kick in the rear, Bob had you covered. He was larger than life, and the totality of who he was cannot be put on paper.

He is survived by his wife Patricia of Harrisonville MO, his children: Robert Nelson of Harrisonville MO; Gaylene Crouser of Belton, MO; and Charmaine (Steve) Brungardt of Archie MO, a sister, Shirley (Joe) Warfield of Lemmon SD, his grandchildren: Heather Mefford, Donovan Ferretti, Scott Crouser, Logan Nelson, Charlie Crouser, Hollie Krauser, Ashton Brungardt, and Alexis Brungardt, his great-grandchildren: Trent Ewbank, James Ewbank, Olivia Mefford, Rhylynn Beck and Quinton Lee, and many nieces, nephews, and chosen family.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, John Nelson, Wilber Jr (Sonny) Nelson, and Arthur (Art) Nelson, 6 sisters, Bertha Johnson, Margie Lorenz, Susie Napton, Helen Bergenheier, Betty Eller, and Lorraine Holdahl, and a granddaughter, Devin Brungardt.

Funeral Service will be held at Dickey’s Funeral Home in Harrisonville, Missouri on Friday, August 28, 2026. Visitation will be at 12:30 PM, service at 2 PM. Cremation to follow. Refreshments from 3:30 to 7:00 pm at Harrisonville Community Center, 2400 S Jefferson Parkway, Harrisonville, MO 64701.