Howard E. Nelson, 86, of Colona, Illinois passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Mercy One Genesis in Silvis.

      Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and there will be no services. Inurnment will be at Rock Island National Cemetery. McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

      Howard was born on June 3, 1940 in Davenport, Iowa, the son of Elmer and Marie (Skelley) Nelson. Following high school, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1968. On September 20, 1969, he married Anna G. Anders in Moline, Illinois. Howard worked as a bridge operator at Rock Island Arsenal for 22 years, with a combined service of 32 years with the U.S. Government, prior to his retirement in 1986.

      Those left to honor his memory are his step-daughter, Linda Wright of Silvis, Illinois; step-son, Michael (Karen) Vandel of Coal Valley, Illinois; three step-grandchildren, Nick (Brittany) Wright, Jamie Vandel, and Jennifer Vandel; three step-great-grandchildren, Marcus, Ryder, and Dalyla; and siblings, Karen Ann Nelson of Colona, Illinois and Charles (Norma Jean) Nelson of Christiansburg, Virginia.

      In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Leona Wright and Phyllis Piersall; and step-son-in-law, Harry Wright.