Orval Leon Nelson, 65, of Joplin, MO, passed away April 25, 2021. He was born January 19, 1956, in Joplin, MO, to Orval and Ola Nelson. Orval worked as a welder/fitter with TEI in Joplin, prior to his career as a Journeyman Union Boilermaker, from Local #83, Kansas City, MO, where he retired June 2017.

Orval's passions included his family, especially his 4 grandsons. He loved to travel, enjoy nature, his boxers (Buster, Sassy and Sweet baby Ray) and riding his Harley. He was a member of the Hideout Harley Davidson Hog Group out of Joplin. Orval spent many summers riding atv's in Waynoka, Oklahoma with family and friends and exploring Colorado and elk hunting with his boys. He had great opportunity to travel the country and make memories along the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orval Eldon Nelson and Ola Mae Nelson; and father-in-law, Deno Halverson.

Orval is survived by his wife of 45 years, Debbie Nelson, of the home; sons, Joshua Nelson and his wife Staci of Branson, MO, Justin Nelson and wife Alisha of Joplin; grandsons, Dakota and Joseph Nelson of Joplin and Jacob and Jesse Nelson along with mother Michelle Nelson of Gretna, NE; mother-in-law, May Halverson, of Joplin; sister, Lydia and husband Mike Simon of Oronogo, MO; and a host of close friends and family.

A celebration of Orval's life will be held on Saturday, May 29, at noon, in the McClelland Park in Joplin, MO.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be to Faithful Friends Animal Advocates (Shelter), Neosho, MO or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services.