Obituary of William Nelle

Coffeyville - William J. Nelle, 95,former longtime Coffeyville resident, passed away Friday, November 29, 2013 at the Kansas Veterans Home in Winfield. He was born October 23, 1918 at Coffeyville to Benjamin and Mary "Maeme" (Johnston) Nelle. Mr. Nelle grew up and attended school in Coffeyville, graduating from Field Kindley High School. Mr. Nelle served two tours in the U.S. Army, enlisting and receiving his discharge prior to World War II, and served his second tour during World War II serving at Port Moresby, and Papua, New Guinea. Following his discharge after the war he lived in Los Angeles, CA and later in Kansas City for a short time before returning to Coffeyville to make his home. Mr. Nelle was a carpenter and worked with his brother doing home remodeling and repairs. He was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church, and the VFW. Mr. Nelle enjoyed writing and reading poetry, working on automobiles and small engines, and loved building go-carts for his nephews. Survivors include his nieces, Patricia Smith of Coffeyville, and Linda Niemi and husband Jim of Lexington, KY; nephews, John Nelle of Lexington, KY, and Joe Nelle and wife Sherry of San Diego, CA; great-niece, Elizabeth Kroll and husband Trevor of Belleview, NE; great-nephews, Matthew Merriman and wife Julie, Robert Merriman, all of Omaha, NE, and Andrew Smith of Florida; and great-great-nephews William Kroll and Andrew Kroll both of Belleview, NE. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 9, 2013 at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Ben Nguyen officiating. Inurnment will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Coffeyville. Friends may call on Sunday, December 8, 2013 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to V.F.W. Post #1022; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.