Lawrence L. Nelson, 91, of Francesville, died Tuesday, February 15, 2005 at Jasper County Hospital in Rensselaer.

He was born at Brookston on November 8, 1913, to Lee and Lena (French) Nelson.

He married Esther N. Howiesen on December 2, 1934. She died June 7, 2003.

He attended Round Grove and Wolcott Schools and was a 1932 graduate of Francesville High School.

He was a farmer, campground operator and an antique store owner.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Francesville.

He was a member of the Flying Farmers.

He was a musician and entertaincd his entire life. He performed as the "Banjo Man." He began entertaining at the age of eight. He performed as a member of the WLS National Barn Dance Team and on the WOWO radio station in Fort Wayne.

He was a 60-year member of the Indiana Farm Burean and a past President of the Pulaski County Farm Bureau. He was a member of the Pulaski County Soil & Water District for 35 years. He was one of the founding members of the RC&D program. He served on the Pulaski County Human Service Board for many years.

He was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge 765 F&AM, and a 50-year member of the OES 310. He had held offices in both organizations. He was a life member of the South Bend Scottish Rite and a Charter member of the Moose Lodge in Rensselaer. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge in Rensselaer. He was also a life member of the F.O.E. 2580 in Winamac and the American Legion in Monticello. He was a member of the Sons of AMVETS in Monticello and a life member of the VFW 10127 in Fort Myers, Florida.

He was presented with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award by Governor Evan Bayh in April 1995. He was recognized with awards from the RC&D, Pulaski County Human Services and Soil & Water District. He received the 1990 Indiana Conservationist of the Year award.

He received the Citizen of the Year Award and was named an honorary member of the Monticello Common Council.

He was a craftsman who enjoyed working in his shop and spent time fishing and dancing.

Survivors include a son, Keith M. (Kay) Nelson of Lafayette; daughters, Carol Ann Nelson Edwards of Sarasota, Florida and Susan K. Spear of Monticello; a sister Phyllis (Clifford) Fritz of Winamac; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services were Friday at Querry-Ulbright Funeral Home in Francesville with Pastor Kevin DeKoninck officiating.

Burial was at Roseland Cemetery. Francesville.