Larry J. Nelson 73 of Olney, Illinois died Saturday, November 12, 2016 at his home following a courageous battle with lung cancer. 

Larry was born in Olney, IL November 19, 1942 the son of Albert and Ruth (Burgin) Nelson and graduated from East Richland High School in 1961 lettering in  football, baseball and track. He was a member of the Evansville and Decatur Herald All-Star Team and a 2 yr All Conference Football player. After graduation, he entered the military serving in the Army from 1961-1964.  Larry was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo; Fort Riley, Ks; and Fulda, Germany with the 1st Div. (Big Red One) and the 3rd Armor Division. Larry graduated from the NCO Academy and was discharged with the rank of SGT E-5.

Following his discharge, Larry worked for the Centralia Cartage Company from 1964-1966 and the Elks Lodge 926 from 1966 to 1969. He married Sharon Bible from Louisville, IL. in 1966.  Larry joined the Olney Police Department and was promoted to Sergeant Investigator, SGT of the Traffic Division.  He received numerous awards and recognition during his 15 yrs as a police officer (Officer of the Month and Officer of the year).

Larry was a graduate of Olney Central College, University of Illinois Police Academy, Indiana State University Correctional Officer Academy, and the University of North Florida Law Enforcement Management Program.  From 1984-1990, he owned and operated L&S Lawn Service having contract accounts with CIPS, UPS, GTE, and Marathon Oil Company.

Larry worked as a Staff Development Coordinator and Firearms Instructor with the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility between 1995-2003. He transferred to the Lawrence Correctional Center from 2003-2005 as an Instructor for Lincoln Trail College.

In 2005, Larry and Sharon retired to Ormond Beach, Florida. He worked part time as a security officer and continued to freelance with photography. Deteriorating health brought him back to Olney in 2015.

Larry was a member of the Elks Club, Elm Street Christian Church, and American Legion. He is survived by his wife, Sharon (50 yrs.) of Olney; sister, Marilyn & Randy Brock of Olney; daughter, Stephanie of Virginia; and sons David and Steve of Shiloh, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Ruth Nelson and two sisters, Barbara Burtner and Margie Harmon.

What a joy to have wonderful memories of my years of living and to move into this stage of life with contentment for today and hope for tomorrow.

Memorial service November 18 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at Crest Haven Memorial Park, rural Olney with Tom Fehrenbacher and Gary Stealy as celebrants.  Interment of cremated remains at a later date.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL) - November 15, 2016