Tom Nelson

Paul Thomas Nelson, of Paducah, Kentucky, who was known affectionately as Tom to his loved ones, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the age of 88. He was born on Friday, January 29, 1937, to Paul and Verna Nelson. He was a 1955 graduate of Augusta Tilghman High School and later a graduate of Murray State University.
 
Tom’s greatest love was his family. He dedicated over two decades of his life to education, shaping young minds in the Massac County Illinois School System. Tom was a dedicated, lifelong member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. His beautiful voice complemented the church choir for over 50 years.
 
Tom's years were rich with the peaceful solitude of fishing trips and hunting excursions, pursuits that brought him closer to nature. He navigated life's trials with patience and celebrated its gifts with humble gratitude. His was a life well-lived, rooted in the principles of kindness, commitment to one's passions, and the endless pursuit of improving the lives of those around him. Tom was an avid reader and enjoyed playing chess.
 
Mr. Nelson is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 68 years, Janice Elizabeth Cook Nelson; his daughters, Deborah Elizabeth Reynolds (Dan), and Dana Ellen Wright (Dwane), all of Kevil, Kentucky; his son, Paul Dee Nelson (Elly) of Brookport, Illinois; his brother, James Donald Nelson (Kay) of Kalamazoo, Michigan; his grandchildren, Joshua Lee Morehead, Cody Ryan Morehead (Emily), Justin Nelson Reynolds (Rachel), Allison Elizabeth Reynolds, Emma Elizabeth Nelson, and Abby Camille Nelson; his great grandchildren, Maddox and Mason Morehead; several nieces and nephews.
 
Mr. Nelson was preceded in death by his grandson, Ryan Lee Morehead; his parents, Paul James Nelson and Verna Elizabeth Kruger Nelson; his sister, Sondra Elizabeth Folsom; and his brother-in-law, Leo Folsom.
 
A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Paducah with Rev. Grace Pardun officiating.
 
An urn burial will take place at St. Matthew Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.
 
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
 
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