Dec. 15, 1926 - Jan. 9, 2013

ELKHART - Nelson Maier, 86, was taken home to be with the Lord Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

He was born in Massillon, Ohio, Dec. 15, 1926, to Nelson F. and Mary (Boyer) Maier.

He married Arvilla (McAllister) Maier in Jasonville June 1954.

Nelson graduated from Washington High School in Massillon and was a four-year member of the Massillon Tiger Swing Band. He attended Muskingum Valley Presbyterian College in Ohio and Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. He was also a member of the American Legion.

Nelson was a member of First Baptist Church in Elkhart since 1964 and a member of Christian Lights Sunday school class. Nelson wrote letters to many of the missionaries and supported them through the years.

Nelson retired from American Stores.

Nelson helped found the first Parkinson's support group in the Elkhart area during the 1980s. Nelson was vice president of the Elkhart Christian Academy Booster Club, where he was involved in taking tickets for basketball games and taking times for soccer.

Nelson is survived by his wife, Arvilla (McAllister) Maier of Elkhart; one son, Bryan Maier of Lansdale, Pa.; and one daughter, Juanita (Jack) Barben of Bristol. He is also survived by three grandsons, Nathaniel, Joshua and Andrew Maier of Lansdale; one granddaughter, Ariana Barben of Bristol; nieces Cindy (Glenn) Bonam and Mary (Tom) Aycock, both of Massillon; and a nephew, Robert Burgess of Canton, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Carol (Maier) Burgess of Massillon; and a daughter-in-law, Michelle (Burg) Maier of Lansdale.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14, 2013, at First Baptist Church, with two hours of calling prior to the service. His son, Bryan Maier, and the Rev. John Blodgett will be officiating.

Burial will take place in Prairie Street Cemetery.

Special thanks to Dr. Vidic from the Elkhart Clinic and Dr. Hope Jordan of the V.A. clinic in South Bend. Memorial contributions may be made to Elkhart Christian Academy.

Marv & Jan Hughey, Mishawaka, IN Nelson was a good guy and lovely Christian brother. We were glad to know him. We are sorry we cannot attend the funeral or visitation as Jan will be at dialysis at that time. Blessings and Sonshine, Marv and Jan Hughey

Harold and Pam Pesola, Elkhart, IN So sorry to hear of your lose, yet Nelson is now walking and singing praises to our Lord and Savior. What a joy it is to know that. Those of us left here on earth are saddened because of our love for Nelson and that will take time to get over but God will even help us with that. Love in Christ.

Peg Robbins, Elkhart, IN Arvilla and family, May God wrap His loving arms around you while you grieve. It was an honor to know him, he was blessed w/ the best Nurse in town. I can only imagine what a Homecoming he had! Sincerely, Peggy

Charles & Jaxie Miller, Indianapolis, IN Dear Arvilla, Bryan, Juanita and families. Your lives have been a testimony to us all through the years of physical struggles, the care giving, and service to the Lord! The Lord describes Nelson's home going as "Precious in the sight of the Lord". We send our condolences and may the Lord give you comfort. We send our love.

Cindy Glenn& Mary , Massillon, OH Aunt Arvilla, Brian, and Juanita,So sorry to hear about Uncle Nelson. He Mom and Bill are having a wonderful time talking and catching up. Hope you are all doing well .Thought and prayers are with you all.

Kathy Cassel, Panama City, FL So many memories of Nelson from EBCS (ECA)(and long before that)that will always be in our hearts. God bless you as you celebrate his home going. Rick, Kathy and the whole crew

Doug Erickson, Honokaa, HI Dear Arvilla, Bryan, and Juanita, Blessings on all of you. Wish we were home so we could see you. Arvilla, I remember well the days you and Nelson were in my Sunday School class, the 'Christianaires'. I believe that would have been from 1978 until 1988. Wonderful memories from the past, and just think, we can all rejoice when we are together in the future. Blessings! Doug and Judy