Thomas William Nelson, 65, of Carlinville, Illinois, passed away Friday morning, May 1, 2026, at Evelyn’s Hospice House in Creve Coeur, Missouri.

Born February 5, 1961, in Alton, Illinois, to Robert and Dorothy (Stanka) Nelson, Tom graduated from Carlinville High School in 1980. He spent most of his life working the family farm, where he raised hogs and worked the land alongside his father and his brother, Tim.

Tom was happiest outdoors. He loved mowing, fishing, hunting for mushrooms, and taking his 4x4 Ranger for a ride with his dog, Byrd. He was a man with a constant smile and a generous heart, always looking for ways to show his family and friends they were on his mind. A faithful servant of God, he was a member of Cross Church in Carlinville, where he drew strength from his beliefs and cherished the fellowship of his prayer group.

He is survived by his daughter, Mallory Nelson of St. Louis, Missouri; his sister, Theresa (Michael) Rogers of Pinehurst, North Carolina; his sister-in-law, Stephanie Nelson of Vero Beach, Florida; his niece, Grayson Rogers; and his nephews, Ben and Brett Nelson. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Tim Nelson.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 8, 2026, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Carlinville, IL. A graveside service will follow on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at Valhalla Cemetery in Godfrey, Illinois with Rev. Dave Ziegenbein officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cross Church in Carlinville, IL

Davis-Anderson Funeral Homes-Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.