Robert C. Nelson

Robert C. Nelson, 95, of Columbus, passed away November 19, 2018, at Columbus Regional Hospital. Robert was born February 18, 1923 in LaPorte, Indiana, the son of Joseph N. and Myrtle (Johnson) Nelson. He married Geraldine “Gerry” Smith, who preceded him in death in 1986 after 39 years of marriage.  Robert then married Margaret E. Thomas Eddelman on October 17, 1992. She survives. Robert was a World War II Veteran, serving in the U.S. Air Force. After enlisting, he graduated from the U.S. Army Finance School at Ft. Harrison. He then was assigned to the U.S. Air Force 8th Division Finance Department, serving 3 years in England. Once discharged, Robert enrolled at Indiana University, graduating in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science in Business. He worked in the finance industry, retiring in 1988 as President of the Indiana Bankers Association. Robert was a member of First Baptist Church for many years, volunteering for many activities. He was especially proud of his volunteer work with “Score”, mentoring entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses as well as serving on the board of the organization. Robert was a member of the I.U. Alumni Association, as well as a 50 year member of Kiwanis. The funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday November 26, 2018 at the Jewell – Rittman Family Funeral Home with Rev. Dan Cash officiating. Calling will be from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday and one hour prior to the service Monday. Burial will be at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens in Indianapolis at 1:30 p.m. Monday. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Foundation. Survivors include his wife Margaret E. Nelson; sons Richard C. Nelson of Avon and David (Lisa) Nelson of Hastings, Nebraska; as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Geraldine Nelson in 1986; his parents; as well as brothers Gordon and William J. Nelson Sr.