On Monday morning February 23, 2026, Vaughn “Eldon” Nelson, 95, formerly of Urich, Missouri, completed his earthly journey and began traveling the streets of heaven. Eldon was born in Hutchinson, Kansas to Ray Nelson and the former Wilma Peters. Eldon worked for Boeing Aircraft, first in the factory, then later installing defense devices across the western part of the USA. He later worked for Peabody Coal in Missouri. Eldon was married to the former Sylvia Hess, who preceded him in death in November of 2021. They had two daughters, Jeannie Erwin (Steve) of Urich, MO, and Jeanette Cloyd (Brent) of Fairfield, IL. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Darrel Erwin, Kristi Kay, Jeremy Cloyd, Brock Cloyd, and Brittney Cloyd, and one great grandchild Ali Kay. He was a member of the Christ Christian Church in Urich, MO.
Eldon worked hard and he played hard, trying to squeeze all the enjoyment he could out of life. He loved his country and in retirement he and Sylvia sought to see as much of the nation as they could, travelling in their RV to 49 states and visiting 49 state capitols. He loved automobiles and was a good mechanic. When his years of traveling in an RV were completed, he returned to Urich. He then turned his energies to restoring a 1953 GMC pickup and a 1962 Corvair that he proudly took to local shows in Missouri and Kansas.
A memorial service will take place on Friday, February 27, at Christ Christian Church in Urich MO. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM followed by the funeral at noon. Burial will be at Hickory Grove Cemetery outside Urich and less than a mile from the home that he and Sylvia had owned before retirement. In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital, a charity that was near and dear to Eldon’s heart.
