William J. Nelson, 87, of Harvey, Ill, died Friday, April 2, 2004 in Harvey, Ill.

He was born in Monon in 1917, the son of John and Elsie Nelson.

He graduated from Monon High School in 1935.

He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II.

He is survived by his wife, Maxine and six children, Jack, Lina, Helen, Gail, Tammy and Terri and grandchildren.

Also surviving are five sisters, Lucille Eldridge of Plymouth, IN, Irene Hatton of Boynton Beach, Florida, Edna Bramson of Oak Lawn, IL, Ruth Gibb of Colona, MI, and Norma Jean Etheridge of Steger, IL.

His parents and one sister Rose Cochran of Rensselaer preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held at Steger, IL on April 7, 2004.

Burial was in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.