Erwin Nelson

Erwin J. ?Ed? Nelson, 85, of 1002 Buffalo Street, died at his home Saturday, September 8, 2012.

A son of Morris and Ella Koziak Nelson he was born in Erie on July 1, 1923. He attended the public schools in Erie and North East.

A veteran of the Korean War Mr. Nelson served with the U.S. Army stationed in England.

Following his discharge he went to work for G.E. in Erie. He then became a boilermaker before coming to Franklin to work as a storekeeper for Penelec, a position he held for 40 years in Franklin and later Oil City.

He was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Meadville. He had been a member of the Franklin Eagles, Moose, American Legion, the A.C.L.U., and was a Life Post Member of the Jesse Greer Post 1835 V.F.W.

An expert carpenter Ed had remolded many area homes providing them with kitchen and bathroom cabinets. He was well-known for driving his big black Lincoln uptown with his faithful companion, Buddy, his Pomeranian, hanging out the window. He enjoyed keeping up his yard and tending to his flowers. One of Ed?s favorite activities was visiting casinos; he enjoyed traveling with his chauffeur, his niece Carol Craft and his casino buddy Jim McNamara.

He was married on May 23, 1953 to the former Betty Anderson, she died on October 6, 1999.

Surviving are a son Morris ?Mick? Nelson and his wife Lorie of Franklin; a daughter Cynthia ?Cindy? Paden of Franklin; 7 grandchildren Erica Nelson, Daniel Baker and his wife Amanda, Scott Baker and his wife Christine, and Carrie Weaver all of Franklin, Paul Nelson of San Antonia, TX, Emily Nelson of Oil City, and Jason Weaver and his wife Jessica of Huntington, WV; 4 step-grandchildren Cody Prahl and James Smathers both of Oil City and Teresa Marstellar and Samantha Carlson and her husband Chuck all of Franklin; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Also surviving is Gay Lynch of Meadville a special friend.

In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by a brother and three sisters.

He was a body donor with the Humanity Gifts Registry of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

A memorial service will be announced at a future date.

Local arrangements entrusted to Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc.