Charles O. (Chuck) Nelson, age 87, was born on September 23, 1922 and died on December 25, 2009 after a chronic illness. He was born in Holden, Missouri. raised in Kansas City, Missouri. and has lived in Springfield since 1967. Married forty years, preceded in death by his wife, Migna H. He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the South Pacific and was Sergeant of a machinegun squad in the 6th Infantry Division. He held two Bronze Star medals among other awards. He was a wholesale drug salesman for twenty years and was front-end manager for Cotter's Pharmacy for fifteen years until retirement in 1985. Chuck was also a drummer, playing in dance bands in both Springfield and Kansas City Missouri. He leaves behind a niece, Diana Wood, whom he raised as a daughter, and two great-nieces, Heather Smart and Rachel Wood-Self, all of Springfield, Missouri. Also a great great niece, Emily Smart. Visitation will be from 6-7pm on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel, 1947 E. Seminole, Springfield, Missouri. 65804. Graveside services will be held 1pm Thursday, December 31, 2009 at the Freeman, Missouri. Cemetery, under the direction of Atkinson Funeral Home of Harrisonville, Missouri.