“Butch” Harold James Nelson, age 78, of Claymont, DE, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. He was born in Port Huron, MI on December 8, 1946, to the late Edward Elmer Nelson and the late Marie Agnes (Durand) Nelson.

A proud veteran of the Army, Butch served his country during the Vietnam War. He went through rough times, but his last few years had been pretty good. He was living a sober life, fought cancer twice, survived a leg amputation and recently moved into a very nice apartment. Through it all he was able to maintain his sense of humor and positive outlook. He was known to have a quick wit and always had a joke to share.

Butch shared many trips throughout his life with friends. One epic trip took him to numerous states across the US including Alaska. In fact during this trip one of the friends needed to get home, so they dropped the friend back in Delaware then continued their road trip back out west.

He enjoyed fixing and tinkering on his cars and various gadgets (despite not always being successful in putting them back together); growing some of the best tomatoes with very little effort; listening to Howard Stern on his stereo system and feeding and watching the birds from his kitchen window.

Butch was an uncle to many nephews and nieces – three of the nieces attempting to claim the title of favorite (but we all know who was the real favorite). A few fond memories are of Butch playing with his nephew’s electric football game at Christmas (in 1971 think metal, vibrating plate that moved football players with magnets on their feet across the field); entertaining guests at a niece’s graduation party; asking another niece to pull his finger during a wedding ceremony.

Butch is survived by his sister and caregiver, Carol and brother-in-law, Allen; sister Meredith; brother Steve, best of friends, Gary, Nalisa and Sissy, along with many other friends, his former wife Janet and their two children, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great great-nieces, and great great-nephews.

Butch was proceeded in death by his sister Jane, brother Fred, and good friend Robin.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.