Nelson Dyer

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

DANVILLE, Ill. -- Nelson C. Dyer, 80, of Danville passed away at 1:37 a.m. on Monday, May 14, 2012, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center. He was born on Aug. 29, 1931, in Charleston, Mo., to Gerald Frederick and Myrtle Nelson Dyer.

On Oct. 1, 1960, in Sikeston, Mo., he married Peggy A. Schaefer, and she survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Cynthia (Reginald) Bush of Danville, Deborah (Todd) Harris of Rossville and Pamela (Robert) Hood of New Albany, Ohio; two brothers, Jerry (Bonnie) Dyer of Sikeston and Bob Dyer, also of Sikeston; seven grandchildren, Joseph (Rachel) Bush, Jacob and Joshua Bush, Hayley, and Grace Harris, and Nathan and Gabriel Hood; and two stepgrandchildren, Marshall (Brittany) Harris and Erica Harris; two great-grandchildren, Gage Sanders and Zayne Harris; nieces and nephews, Gail Dyer Coon, Leslie Dyer Blaine, Rick Dyer, Karen Williams and Sharon Dyer; cousin Shirleyann McPherson; and very close family friend, Cathy Lete.

He was preceded in death by his Aunt Mildred, Aunt May and his parents.

Nelson was a 1949 graduate of Sikeston High School and worked at Skelgas as a manager until his retirement in 1992. He served as a member of the National Guard, retiring as a 1st Sergeant in 1991. Nelson and Peggy were very involved with square dancing. He was a member of the Frontier Twirlers and the Illiana Rounds. Nelson was a square dance caller, having graduated from the Midwest Caller School in Auburn, Ind. He was a member of the State Council of Illinois Square Dance Association where he served as president from 1995-1997. Nelson even hosted the Saturday Morning Square Dance Program on WITY.

Aside from square dancing, he also enjoyed playing softball, bowling and waterskiing. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandkids. Nelson will be missed by numerous square dance friends and neighbors.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home in Danville. A Rosary service will be held at 3:30 p.m. prior to visitation.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Nelson Dyer will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 17, 2012, at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Danville. Father Greg Nelson will officiate. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

Graveside military honors will be conducted by American Legion Post No. 210.

Please join Nelson's family in sharing memories, photos, and video of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

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Memorials may be made to:

St. Paul's Catholic Church

Schlarman Academy

Paid obituary