Obituary of Richard Releford

R. Nelson "Pee Wee" Releford, 83, of Hettick, passed away Friday morning, February 24, 2017 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL. Nelson was born on July 18, 1933 to Howard and Helen (Witt) Releford in Hettick, IL. He graduated from Northwestern High with the class of 1951 and served in the United States Army from 1953-1955. Nelson married Carolyn Sue (Becker) Graham on December 29, 1971 in Palmyra. Nelson retired from Owens Illinois Glassworks in Alton as a layer man. He also worked for Sonneborn Brother's trucking in Hettick as a driver and MandM Service company in Carlinville. Nelson was past Mayor of Hettick and enjoyed spending time fishing, gardening, antique tractor pulling and telling stories. Nelson is survived by his wife, Carolyn Releford of Hettick, IL; daughter, Marsha (Charlie) Gunn of Springfield, IL; son, Rick (Millie) Releford of Lincoln, IL; son, Mark (Gayle) Releford of Hettick, IL; son Mike (Melissa) Graham of Palmyra, IL; daughter, Michelle (Shane) Owsley of Carlinville, IL; 11 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; brother, Larry (Joyce) Releford of Palmyra, IL, as well as several nieces and nephews. Nelson was preceded in death by his parents; son, Tod Releford; 1 grandson, 1 brother and 1 sister. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Cross Church in Carlinville with Rev. Thurman Stewart officiating. Burial will follow at a later date in Hettick Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Hettick Cemetery or the Northwestern Rescue Squad. Online condolences can be given at www.davisandersonfuneralhome.com. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.