Nelson W. Powell

Nelson Wheeler (Nels) Powell, 78, husband of Sandra B. Powell, died Wednesday, June 9, 2010, at McLeod Hospice House, Florence, after a brief illness.

He was born July 8, 1931, in Sauk City, Wis., to the late William B. and Jessie Marie (Wheeler) Powell. He graduated from Washington Park High School in Racine, Wis., in 1949. During the Korean conflict, he served with the U.S. Army in the Signal Corps as a cryptographer and is a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1391 in Racine. Nelson worked in the printing industry for nearly 15 years in the Racine and Milwaukee areas, running Walker Manufacturing’s printing department for much of that time. He later worked with Harris Metals as a heat-treat operator, retiring after 20 years. He was a lifelong hobby farmer and gardener. He was also a member of Crossroads Bible Fellowship Church in Manning.

Nelson and Sandra lived and raised their family in Franksville, Wis., and retired to the lakefront outside of Manning to enjoy later years.

Survivors include his wife, Sandy, of 53 years; a daughter Kerry (Gary) Strathman of Sumter; two sons, Brent A. (Laura) Powell of Franksville, and John A. (Helen) Powell of Reedsburg, Wis.; nine grandchildren, Misha Powell, Katherine Strathman, Joshua J. Powell, Kelli Powell, Tia Powell, Kimberly (Dan) Valdez-Powell, Joshua Powell, Adam Powell and Amber Powell; and a great-grandson, Zachary Valdez-Powell.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Yvette McGarrity, Shirley Soutar and Polly Schmelzer; and one brother, Jon Powell.

Funeral services were held Sunday at Crossroads Bible Fellowship Church in Manning, with the Rev. John Hall officiating.

Memorials may be made to Crossroads Bible Fellowship Church, P.O. Box 449, Manning, SC 29102; or the Salvation Army, 16 Kendrick St., Sumter, SC 29150.

Brunson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Manning, was in charge of the arrangements.