Gary “Rocky” K. Nelson, 94, of Chatham, formerly of Lake Ka-Ho, Springfield and Litchfield, died on Monday evening, March 23, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 28, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Litchfield Family Funeral Service, located at 700 S. State St. Litchfield. Funeral Services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at Litchfield Family Funeral Service. In accordance with his wishes, Mr. Nelson’s body was donated to science to further medical research and education.
Mr. Nelson was born on Dec. 16, 1931, in Litchfield, a son of Kenneth Nelson and Melvina (Hensley) Nelson. He graduated from Litchfield High School with the class of 1949 and after high school, enrolled in Blackburn College, before enlisting in the United States Navy to serve in the Korean War.
After his service to our country, Mr. Nelson furthered his education and earned a bachelor’s degree at Indiana Tech. He married Phyllis Boyd on April 26, 1953 in Litchfield.
Mr. Nelson spent his career as a civil engineer for the Illinois Department of Transportation, until his retirement in 1991. His most notable project was helping plan and design Interstate 55. Mr. Nelson was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Litchfield VFW, Engineering Society of Illinois, and served on the Lake KaHo Village Board. He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, enjoyed traveling with his family, bowling, hunting, golfing and working on cars in his garage.
Mr. Nelson also attended many Navy ship reunions, as well as, took two Honor Flights, one as a guardian and one as a veteran. He enjoyed staying active, he enjoyed roller coasters, went zip-lining in his 80s and played bocce just last summer. His greatest joy was helping others and volunteering; he helped with Meals on Wheels and Mt. Olive Care Center Food Pantry for 30 years after he retired.
Mr. Nelson was preceded in death by his parents; son, Bradley Hewitt; and brother, Glenn Nelson.
Mr. Nelson is survived by his wife, Phyllis Nelson; son, David (Elizabeth) Nelson of Staunton; daughters, Susan (William) Kessler of Chatham and Nancy (Joseph) Moore of Chatham; grandchildren, Michael, Meaghan, Josephine, Kenneth, Jacob and William; and 13 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lutheran Social Service of Illinois or Land of Lincoln Honor Flight. Please visit www.litchfieldffs.com to leave condolences or light a candle in his memory.
