Darryl Nelson

Morton – Darryl L. Nelson, 82, of Morton passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield, Illinois.
He was born on December 5, 1942, in Pekin, to Reva (Nelson) Bushman. Darryl was raised by his aunt and uncle, Charles and Ronnie (Nelson) Springer. He graduated from Morton High School in 1961 and married his high school sweetheart Sandra Hermann on February 9, 1963, in Macomb, Illinois. Sandy preceded him in death on April 6, 2012. He was also preceded in death by one son, Mark Ivor.
Surviving are his children, Breck (Janie) Nelson of Greenville, Illinois, Shay Nelson of Greenville, Illinois, Sara (Ben) Harkins of Travelers Rest, South Carolina and Matthew (Ann) Nelson of Brimfield, Illinois; grandchildren, Zachary (Ruth) Nelson, Rosie (Ross) Baker, Brooke (Jared) Kleinik, Gabrielle (fiancé, Ross Robinson) Nelson, Sophie (Gabriel) Perez, Ava Nelson, Kaiden Nelson, Josie Harkins, Audrey Harkins, Presley Harkins, Scarlet Harkins, Wes Harkins, Fiona Harkins, Kai Nelson, Cael Nelson and Maud Nelson; and great-grandchildren, Addie, Clark and Mark Baker and Axel Kleinik.
Darryl owned and operated D.L. Nelson and Sons Construction and Oak Creek Construction. After retiring, he went to work with his son Breck at Kelley Iron Works. Darryl retired from the Morton Fire Department as a volunteer fireman and paramedic after serving the community in that capacity for more than 20 years. Darryl loved hunting, fishing, traveling, watching the Cubs, but most of all spending time with his grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Morton Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Morton Fire Department or Midwest Food Bank.
Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements. To leave an online condolence for the family visit www.knappjohnson.com.