Joseph Anthony Nelson

Joseph Anthony Nelson, 49, was called home to the Lord on November 28, 2025. Born on January 1, 1976 in Kokomo, Tony was the son of Joseph and Janet (Roach) Nelson.

In his youth, Tony attended the Zion Tabernacle Church. He proudly graduated from Zion Christian Academy as the class Valedictorian in 1993. He went on to attend Indiana Bible College where he would meet Shanna Ford. Their relationship blossomed on a mission trip to Russia in 1995 and they were united in marriage on August 5, 1996.

The cornerstone of Tony’s life was his family and his relationship with Jesus Christ. He took immense joy in raising his daughters, creating nicknames that would last through the years. He was the example of how a man should treat his wife and raise his children; values that were instilled in his daughters of what to expect from their own partners in life. Tony found a new joy in life when he welcomed his grandsons; he was a beloved Pop Pop. Always supporting his children’s dreams and aspirations, they looked up to him and knew how incredibly rich their lives were with love.

Tony served as a minister at the Pentecostals of Bourbon Church and dedicated several years as the Men’s Ministry Director. His artistic talents were exemplified when playing the drums and he joyously sang his praises. When asked to serve in various capacities at the church, Tony eagerly met the task at hand. He was involved in the children’s and teen’s ministry and loved quizzing people on the bible. Tony embodied the meaning of being a “prayer warrior;” praying for those in need without hesitation. One of Tony’s greatest virtues was his giving heart; if there was someone in need, he would be willing to give the shirt off his back should someone need it.

Through the years, Tony worked as a production worker at various manufacturers in the area like Southwire and Kountry Wood. During their time living in Florida, Tony worked as a dedicated corrections officer until they relocated back to Indiana in 2004. In his free time, Tony loved watching sports, particularly cheering for Notre Dame.

Tony will be missed by his wife of 29 years, Shanna; daughter, Arianna Hope Bontrager and her husband, John along with their children, Sawyer James and Hudson Anthony; daughter, Kathryn Brianne Dunn and her husband, Joseph; daughter, Karah Bethany Nelson and her fiancé, Brendan King; and daughter, Marissa Grace Nelson. He will also be missed by his father, Joseph Nelson; mother, Janet Nelson; sister, Melissa (Mark) Markley; in-laws, Robert and Kathryn Ford and their children, Matthew (Donna) Ford and Kassandra (Zane) Ragsdale; along with many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Rose and Robert Roach and in-laws, Kathryn and George Maynard.

Visitation will be held from 5-7PM on Friday, December 5, 2025 at the Pentecostals of Bourbon Church, 201 N Bourbon St, Bourbon, IN 46504. Tony’s Going Home Celebration will be held at 7PM with Rev. Matthew Cottrill officiating.

Memorial contributions can be directed towards Tony’s funeral expenses at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563.