Francis Benton "Button's" Nelson
September 2, 1940 ~ April 14, 2010
Services:
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at 10:00 AM in Holy Angels Catholic Church, Avenue, MD with Fr. William Gurnee officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD.
Visitation:
The family will receive friends on Monday, April 19, 2010 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD where prayers will be said at 7:00 PM.
Francis Benton “Buttons” Nelson, Jr., 69, of Colton’s Point, MD died April 14, 2010 at Washington Hospital Center. Born September 2, 1940 in Leonardtown, MD he was the son of the late Francis B. and Mary Helen Russell Nelson, Sr. He was the loving husband of Rose Dingee Nelson whom he married on June 24, 1967. He is also survived by his daughter Barbara Rose Nelson of Alexandria, VA. Buttons lived in Clements until he was seven years old and then moved to Colton’s Point. He attended Holy Angels Grade School and graduated from Margaret Brent High School in 1958. He was drafted in the U.S. Army on October 10, 1963 where he completed Basic Training at Ft. Gordon, GA. He was stationed in Verdon, France and was a Military Policeman. He won medals for his marksmanship and traveled in Europe for a month. He received an Honorable Discharge on September 20, 1965. Buttons retired from the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indian Head, MD on April 14, 1995 after 33 years of service, First with CAD and then as an Engineer Technician. He was a good and loving father, husband and best friend. After retirement at age 55, he was an avid reader of books about WWII. He loved reading, boating, fishing, driving his golf cart around Colton Point to visit his neighbors, operating his computer and listening to Bluegrass music with his friends. Each day you could find him at home watching his favorite show “ Last of The Summer Wine” on MPT. He was a Jack of all trades and could fix anything or tell you how to fix it. Buttons was also a history buff who could talk to you about any subject. He had a lot of long conversations about his cat “Willie Nelson”, but most of all his love and passion was his wife Rose and his daughter Barbara. The family will receive friends on Monday, April 19, 2010 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD where prayers will be said at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at 10:00 AM in Holy Angels Catholic Church, Avenue, MD with Fr. William Gurnee officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers will be Ted Downs, David Nelson, Martin Connelly, John Russell, Chris Lawrence and George Vallandingham. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Nelson, Joe Friess, Jack Crutchfield, Rod Nelson, Bernard Cullins and Dale Lawrence. Contributions may be left to the Cancer Care & Infusion Center, P.O. Box 527, Leonardtown, MD 20650 and/or the 7th District Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 7, Avenue, MD 20609 and/or The Heart Association of Maryland, 415 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.
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“Rose & Barbara-my mom called to let me know about Buttons. I know the pain you’re going thru because he is being missed right now. But I’d like to think he’s got a friend up there with my dad. Let us know if you need any help to get thru this difficult time…or just need someone to talk to.”
“Rose, so sorry to hear about Buttons. You guys were there for us when we needed you. Bennie Man and Miss Helen if we can do anything please let us know.”
“Rose and Barbara Rose: So sorry to hear about Francis. I know exactly how you are feeling and my heartfelt condolences to you! Barbara: So sorry to hear about your Dad. You and your Mom are in my thoughts and if there is anything I can do please let me know… “
“Rose & Barbara We were sorry to hear of Button;s Passing. Button’s and I go back a long ways going to school together and riding to togther. We are had a many a good time riding in the Van Pool. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both. May the soul of Buttton’s rest in peace. And also my the Good Lord Bless and keep you in this time of need. If you need any thing please do let us know.”
“Rose you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. If you need anything let us know.”
“Rose,I am so sorry about Buttons,you are like a Sister to me and I am here if you need me.”
“Rose, I am so sorry to hear about Button’s. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Barbara.”
“Dearest Rose, I am so terribly sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Buttons. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. “
“Rose, so sorry to hear about your husband. Know that you are in my thoughts.”
“Rosie and Barbara, I am so sorry to here about Button’s. My thoughts and prayers are with you both, and all we know now he is no longer suffering. I know Dad has already greeted him, and is showing him around his new home. We now have both of them to watch over us. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do during this difficult time.”
“Thinking of you,you are in my prayers.”
“Rose,so sorry to hear about Buttons. He was a fighter and just ran out of gas. He is at peace now and feels no pain. May God embrace you and Barbara at this time as you grieve your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.”
“Rose, please take comfort in knowing that you and your family are surrounded with love and support. Remember – The Lord is thy keeper and He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
“Oh Rose, My heart goes out to you and Barbara. Please know that Buttons is in a Heaven looking down from there. Remember the good times you had together…Let me know if there is ANYTHING I can do… An Old Friend Linda”
“Rose, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.”
“Dear Rose, We are so sorry to hear of Buttons’ passing. Our deeptest sympathy to you and Barbara. “
“Rose, So sorry to hear of your loss..you and your family are in our prayers”
“Rose,Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Barbara.Francis was my friend and classmate and the good times will never be forgotten. May God keep you and yours during these difficult times. Love Louis Buckler and family”
“Rose, I’m so sorry to hear about Buttons. I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless you and Buttons will be watching over you. “
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He is up in heaven watching over us now. If you need anything, just call.”
“Our sincerest sympathy to Rose and Barbara and all of the family. Be assured of our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. “
“Rose, My deepest to you and your Daughter. Buttons is up in Heaven looking down over you and your family. Always remember the wonderful times you had together. Diane “
“Barb & Mrs. Nelson, I only knew Mr. Nelson a short period but during that time he touched my heart. I will never forget his smile, laughter or stories. You are both in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. “
“Rose & Family – Please accept out sincere condolences for the loss of Buttons. He truly was an exceptional individual. We are so sorry that we will be unable to attend the services but Buttons will most certainly be in our prayers.”
“SINCERE BEST WISHES TO ROSE AND THE NELSON FAMILY.”
“Rose, Some men leave their mark on the world by the way they live and the difference they make in the lives they touch. Let each tear that falls be a gentle reminder that you and Buttons truly loved each other and made such a meaningful difference in each others lives and that is a gift that no loss or sorrow or time or distance can ever take away.God Bless you… In Sympathy, “
“”Dear Rose & Barbara, We are so sorry to hear of Francis’ passing.” I worked with “FBN” for many years up until his retirement, sharing many laughs and good times together. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Pat & Jim Kindle”
“TO THE NELSON FAMILY, ROSIE AND BARBARA, SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, BUTTONS WAS A GREAT MAN, NOW HIM AND HIS BUDDY NICK ARE UP IN HEAVEN TOGETHER, IF YOU NEED ANYTHING PLEASE LET ME KNOW.”
“Barbara, I’m so sorry about your father.. I know you have been concerned about him during the last couple of months. He’s at peace now and no longer in pain… Be there for your Mom, she will need you as you will need her. Remember the good times, the laughs and the times he made you smile…. Our Dads will be forever in our hearts… I’m here for you!! “
“Rose and Barbara We are truly sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our prayers. The days after the services are so difficult. Love of family and friends will get you through the rough spots. “
“Barb and Rose, My thoughts and prayers are with you on the loss of your love one. Wish I was there. “
“Ms. Rose, truly you are in my thoughts and prayers during this most solemn time. May the GOD of ALL wisdom grant you the peace that surpasses all understanding. Although, we cannot begin to understands HIS mysteries, we do KNOW that HE will NEVER leave you comfortless! Much love and hugs to you and your family!”
“Rose , I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I know what you are going to miss him. You are in my thoughts and prayers. “
“Rose, I sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Try to be strong, I know that it will be hard for you and your family,you are in my thoughts and prayers.”
“Dear Rose – Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. We have had many talks together while our husbands were so ill and tried to comfort each other through those rough times. “
“To Rose, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to you at this time! You and Buttons were a team! Cherish all of those memories and he will live forever in your hearts! May GOD bless you and give you love and comfort!”
“Rose, I am so sorry to hear of Buttons’ passing. I know how close the two of you were. You are in my prayers.”
“Rose, So sorry to hear about “Buttons”. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Barbara. Take care, God Bless.”
“Rose, we are so sorry to hear of Buttons passing. We both know after a long battle, Buttons and Mom are in a beautiful place. You and Barbara are in our prayers.”
“Rose Sorry to hear about Buttons,I went to school with him. He was a good man.”
“Rose: I am sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. “
“Rose, we are so saddened to hear of the loss of Francis. As a classmate of mine, we knew each other well, and all I can say is that he was a fine person. We will remember him fondly. Our prayers are with you and your family.”
“Dear Rose and family: I am so sorry to hear about Buttons. Rob said that he told you that I was in South Carolina. I wish I could have been there to try and lend some support to a dear friend in her time of need. He is now with the Lord our Master in a lovely place, and watching over all of us. May God Bless you and your family. I am thinking of you and have you in my prayers. “