Craig A. Nelson, 66, of Champaign, passed away at 9:05 PM on
Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at Carle Foundation Hospital.
He was born on August 6, 1955 in Urbana, Illinois, the son of Hance and Wilma
(Merrick) Nelson. He married Carol Urban Halliday on December 24, 1998 in Atwood,
Illinois.
Craig is survived by his wife Carol; sons – Craig Nelson, Michael Nelson, Jeremy
Nelson; 8 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; brothers – John Nelson, Ron Pellum; sister –
Donna Ditler.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Hans and Donald, and 1 grandson.
Craig graduated from Centennial High School in 1973. He had several different
occupations through the years and had a few businesses as well but had been retired for
almost 20 years.
In his retirement years he enjoyed working in the yard and just being outside. He loved
the heat of summer. He also enjoyed wood working. He loved his 2 basset hounds who
passed away last year and his 3 cats. He enjoyed doing some volunteer work for the
community with his wife Carol. His favorite volunteer activities were Meals on Wheels
deliveries and transporting senior members of the community to doctor visits.
Memorials may be made to CatSnap ( www.catsnap.org ), Hospice Hearts
( www.hospiceheartsanimalrescue.org ), or any other animal rescue organization.