Robert J. Nelson Jr, 97, North Manchester, died at 8:15 a.m. Friday, July 10, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne.

He was born in Bridgeport, Conn. on Sept. 14, 1917, to Robert J. and Myra L. (Ackerman) Nelson. Both are now deceased.

From 1951-1957 he was pastor at Lancaster Church of the Brethren, Lancaster, Pa., and Grand Rapids Church of the Brethren, Grand Rapids, Mich.  He was the Director of Publicity and Director of Audio Visual Services at Manchester College for 30 years and retired in 1986.

On Oct. 21, 1944, he married Mary Flook. She died on April 4, 1974. He married Esther Deardorff on Dec. 29, 1974. She died April 4, 1974. She died in May, of 1998. He married M. June Lowder, on May 8, 1999. She died Dec. 7, 2006.

He is survived by one daughter: Laura L. Stults, Osceola; one grandchild; three great-grandchildren; 24 step-grandchildren; and many step-great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wives; and one sister: Virginia Hoch, who died in 1961.

Robert graduated from New Cumberland High School, New Cumberland, PA, in 1934. During WWII, Bob served with the Civilian Public Service (CPS) in Lagro, and Camp Belden in northern California. Graduated LaVerne College, LaVerne, Calif. 1950 with Bachelor of Arts. MA from University of SD 1951. He was a member of Manchester College Board of Trustees from 1955 to 1957 representing the Michigan district of the Church of the Brethren. Member of Lancaster, PA Ministerial Association.

He was chairman of Family Life Committee of the Grand Rapids Ministerial Association. Past President of Kiwanis Club, North Manchester, past president North Manchester Historical Society. Member of the Board Trustees of Manchester Main Street, Inc. Past President of Resident Council at Timbercrest Senior Living Community. Member of Historic Preservation Committee in North Manchester, IN. Arrangements are entrusted to McKee Mortuary, North Manchester.

Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at Timbercrest Chapel, North Manchester.  The service will be held at 2 p.m. after visitation, also at the chapel, and will be officiated by Pastor Karen Eberly and Chaplain Don Fecher. Burial will be at a later date in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, North Manchester.

Memorials can be made to Bird Friendly Landscaping at Timbercrest Senior Living Community, North Manchester.