Keith Derrick "Ricky" Nelson

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Keith Derrick “Ricky” Nelson was born on August 22, 1953, to Alfred Sr and Mary
Nelson. He was the fourth child born to this union. Keith has been married to
Gwendolyn (Levy) Nelson for 51 Years. To this union his two daughters, Angela and
Deralyn were born.

Ricky attended Norton Elementary School and was a 1971 Graduate of Emerson
High School. While in high school, he fell in love with two things, his drums and his
Wife. Ricky was very inclined in music and played the drums for Froebel and Emerson.
He continued to play his drums and formed various music bands from the early 70’s
through 2023. Ricky and Gwen met in high school, became high school sweethearts, and
there is no end to this beautiful story.

Keith had a career as an Insurance Broker from 1980 until retiring in 2013. He
was an Insurance Salesman, Manager, and Independent Contractor. He had a very
outgoing personality. He led and trained many aspiring agents in the industry. He would
have thousands of stories to tell about his career and developed even more friendships
throughout the years.

Keith accepted Christ at an early age under Reverend Paris. Keith and Gwendolyn
were married at St. Luke AME Church in Gary, IN on August 12, 1972. Shortly after,
Angela D. Nelson-Bryant was born on June 22, 1973. The threesome became a foursome
when Deralyn G. Nelson-Morrow was born on January 19, 1987. Our lives were full of
love. It was always Rick and his 3 girls whom he affectionately named Big Bird, Bird and
Baby Bird. Aside of his 3 girls, Ricky’s activities included playing his drums, roller
skating throughout NWI and the Chicago area. He also loved playing tennis with Gwen
and watching NFL Football. His favorite team was the Chicago Bears, and he would
watch them play religiously.

Ricky loved Christmas! He loved getting into the holiday spirit. He would
decorate his homes he lived in to the fullest. In every neighborhood he resided in from
1975-2023, his neighbors would be in awe of the decorations and would often follow suit
and join in sharing the Christmas decorating spirit. Ricky especially loved the summer
holidays because it was a time he would get to barbecue for his family. He loved
celebrating for Gwen, Angela and Deralyn’s birthdays. When it came time for his own
birthday, he was even more excited each year!

In 2020, Keith was faced with the battle of his life. He fought such a grand fight
that his care team of doctors stayed in awe of his recovery.

He protected his family as always, but he became more protective at this time.

God granted Keith with so many miracles and he was resilient and strong during this trying time. However, God
requested for Ricky to come home to Him on Saturday, September 2, 2023. We praise
GOD for his life, and we know he will always be here with us.

Keith D. “Ricky” Nelson was preceded in death by his father, Alfred Nelson Sr.,
his mother, Mary Mitchell, Stepfather, Marvin Mitchell, brothers, Alfred Nelson Jr and
Malorie Nelson.

He is survived by his life partner, his devoted and loving Wife, Gwendolyn
Nelson, his Firstborn, Angela Nelson (Jeffery) Bryant, his Baby girl Deralyn Nelson
(Garry) Morrow, his two Grandsons Kian Derrick Morrow and Garry (Liam) Morrow
III., his brother, Juan Nelson, sisters, Leticia (Michael) Griffin, and Pamela (Mack)
Bellamy. He has a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins that loved him like no other. He
also had so many friends and his best friend from childhood through today, Douglas
Bridgeman.