Robert L. “PaPaw” Nelson, 80 of Princeton passed away Sunday, May 16, 2021 due to complications from COVID-19 at Princeton Community Hospital. Born February 23, 1941 at Oakvale, he was the eldest child of the late Harry & Edna Walls Nelson. He was educated at Oakvale School but quit during his senior year to join the U.S. Army. With active status, plus Army Reserves, Robert dedicated 13 years of service to his country. Upon returning home, he met and married the love of his life Linda (Thomas) Nelson. Robert was a lifetime member of the Blue/Gray Chapter # 628 of the Vietnam Veterans of Princeton. He was a dedicated fan of Princeton Devil Rays baseball, and local wrestling, where he was known as the fan who hit a wrestler in the head with a cane. He attended church at Fairview Christian Community Church in Princeton. He retired from the building/maintenance department of Appalachian Power Company in Bluefield WV. Robert was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Linda Thomas Nelson, parents, Harry and Edna Nelson, father-in-law & mother-in-law, Fred & Lura Thomas, siblings; Ricky Nelson, Ray Nelson, and Phyllis Ratliff. Those left to cherish his memory, his loving daughter Althea Barnett & husband Danny; his devoted granddaughter Katelyn Barnett & boyfriend Marshall Rickman. Brother James Nelson, sisters Nancy “Macie” Stevens & boyfriend Ted, Ethel “Mae” Stephens, Janice “Bunt” Jenkins (Junior). his best friend & partner in crime, James “Jay” Steele Sr. of Princeton. Special caregivers, Shelia Williams & Eloise Coburn, and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Funeral services will be held Noon Thursday, May 20, 2021 from the Burns Wornal Chapel of the Memorial Funeral Directory on the Athens Road in Princeton with Pastors Larry Dyer & Blake Bivens officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 A.M. until the service hour at the funeral home.
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