Paul Edward Nelson, age 72, of Lexington, Kentucky passed away Friday, September 4, 2026 at his home following a brief illness.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home. Burial was in Higginbotham Cemetery.

Paul was born February 16, 1954 in Cincinnati, Ohio to James E. and Lucy (Perry) Nelson. He was a devoted Christian, husband, father, and grandfather which gave him the greatest joy. Paul was a veteran of the United States Army and a funeral director for many years.

He leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Oma Jean Nelson who was the love of his life. Together they shared a lifetime of love, memories, hard times, good times, and a family they built together. Also surviving is their son, Charles James Nelson, R. of Booneville, three grandchildren, Victoria (Dominic) Johnson of Georgetown, Makayla Nelson (Tanner "Tyner" Coomer) of Booneville, and Charles James Nelson II of Booneville, one great grandchild, Case Paul Johnson of Georgetown, his fur baby, Toby, a brother, George Nelson of Fayetteville, North Carolina, a sister, Rosetta Beard of Somerset, many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and other family members who loved him dearly.

Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers, Fred Nelson, Ted (Mable) Nelson, Melvin (Cynthia) Nelson, Scott Nelson, James "Jim" Nelson, Frank Nelson, Calvin Nelson, Charles M. Nelson, sisters, Dora (George) Newport, Aggie (Ted) Bohanon, Pearl (Dale) Ritchie, and Mary Ann Nelson.

Paul will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and living him. There will never be another grandpa quite like him. His love, faith, stories, laughter, and the memories he gave his family will stay with us forever.

Although our hearts are broken that he is no longer here with us, we find comfort knowing that he is no longer suffering and is now at peace with the Lord.

We love you, Poppy. Until we meet again.

Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Paul Nelson.