Obituaries

Darel Lynn Nelson, 80, lifelong resident of California, Kentucky passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ft. Thomas, KY. He was born in California to the late John and Lillian (Hannah) Nelson on November 15, 1945.

Darel loved his daughters deeply. He was their protector and rock. His love and dedication to his family will stand the test of time! He loved restoring old cars and collecting antiques and would never pass up a good yard sale.

He worked as a Mechanic and Body Repair Man for over 60 years. He was the proud "Owner of Rt. 10 Garage" until he retired in 2008, but still did small jobs to keep himself busy, you could not get him out of that garage. He also worked at Lodge and Shipley as a machine painter. He worked two jobs for over 25 years, to give his daughters the best lives. He loved Walmart shopping trips to see and bump into people he hasn't seen in forever and make sure you have an hour to spare on these trips.

He loved his girls with all his heart and soul (Shari and Tracy) and his dogs will miss him greatly (Jr., U2, Katie and Jake).

He is now with his Mom (Lillian) and Dad (John) and all his brothers and sisters.

He was the last original “Nelson,” leaving behind his daughters, Shari Lynn Bezold (Tom) and Tracy Ann Sharp (Greg) and grandkids, Tommy Downton (Erica), Teddy Downton (January), Travis Sharp (Tabitha), Krissy Bezold (Caleb), Brittany Turner (Clint), Brandy Bezold (Markus) and Hunter Bezold and his great-grandkids, Thomas Downton, Walker Downton, Bella Young, Maverick Downton, McKenna Staggs, Rylee Newman, Eliza Wheat, Declan Wheat and, due in August, great-granddaughter, Adeline Turner.

Visitation for Darel will be on Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Alexandria Funeral Home, 325 Washington Street, Alexandria, KY from 11:00am until the time of the funeral service at 2:00pm with Wayne Short officiating. Burial will take place in the Grand View Cemetery, Mentor, KY.

In lieu of flowers please give a donation to your local non kill animal shelter. He always said if he won the lottery, he would adopt all the unwanted dogs and give them the best life he could- and we know he would have!