Clark A. Nelson, 84, of Paduch, Kentucky, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Metropolis, Illinois. He was born on May 2, 1941, in Ferron, Utah, to the late Leland Nelson and Melva Wareham Nelson.
Clark was a Mechanical Draftsman at various companies before retiring as a private consultant. He served in the United States Army as a Paratrooper for the 82nd and the 101st Airborne Division. Clark earned his GED & attended Utah State University. He would credit the military for changing his life’s path. Clark was a member of Olivet Baptist Church. He had a strong friendship with his Sunday School Class members until the day he passed. He was a gifted musician & singer; he played many instruments. He would travel with his wife, family, and friends to Bluegrass Festivals across the country. Clark was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed backpacking, hunting, and playing softball. He was known to many as the “Ambassador” for the state of Utah. He loved his family and the mountains and would visit several times a year.
Clark is survived by his daughter, Melanie Dees of Paducah, Kentucky; granddaughter, Ashley Dees of Metropolis, Illinois; his great-grandchildren, Jayce Stewart and Olin Sheridan, who brought him immense joy; and his sister-in-law, Marilyn Nelson of Orem, Utah, along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ladonna Jean "Toni" Nelson; his sister, Kathleen (James) Eaquinto; his brother, Kendall Nelson; and his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Dr. Chris Prescott officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 16, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the National Parkinson’s Foundation, 1501 Northwest Ninth Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, or to GEAR UP Youth Program, 310 East 6th Street, Metropolis, IL 629601.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
