Melvern Nelson

Melvern "Mickey" Lee Nelson, 89, of Mena, Arkansas died peacefully on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was born on Wednesday, April 14, 1937 to Anton Melvern Nelson and Velma Sarah Brown in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Mickey was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who proudly served in the United States Army at end of the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the NRA and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Mickey spent over 60 years and 30,000 hours as a pilot for various companies with a majority spent flying for Texas Oil & Gas, building a long career around something he truly enjoyed. His love of airplanes carried over into many of his hobbies, and flying remained an important part of his life. Mickey cherished all of his big family and all the time he was able to spend with them.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and his first wife, Darla Dee Nelson.

Mickey is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Virginia Lee Nelson of Mena; three sons and daughters in law, Timothy and Anisa Nelson of Anchorage, Alaska, Garrett and Danielle Nelson of Wasilla, Alaska, and Gary Jr. and Sandy Hendrickson of Athens, Arkansas; two daughters and son in law, Tammy Nelson of Mena, and Cherri and Tim Robbins of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; three sisters and brothers in law, LaRue Shara of Columbia Falls, Montana, Carol and Gene Houston of Columbia Falls, Montana, and Mary and Don Hanks of Eagle River, Alaska; seventeen grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; several nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Mena, Arkansas with First Counselor Ken Rachal officiating. Interment will follow the service at the Six Mile Cemetery in Hatfield, Arkansas with Second Counselor Nick Holmgren officiating under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be held 30 minutes prior to the service.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com