Russell Nelson Sr (lovingly known as: Crunch) lived life as an empathetic, strong-willed spirit. On March 16th, 2026, after a long battle with his illness, he was called home. Born January 10th, 1957, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Bert Howard (BH) Nelson and Mary (Sampson) Nelson. He was the 7th child out of his 12 siblings. (9 boys 3 girls) He was raised as a child in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, but eventually ended up in Des Moines, Iowa. It was there he met his wife of 42 years, Judith Elaine Lamar, and started a beautiful family. As a proud, protective father, he worked as an independent contractor for relocation companies for 30-plus years. But after retiring, he couldn't stay still, so he started a lawn care service to keep himself busy. He enjoyed driving around on his riding lawn mower, trimming & making yards look fresh. A faithful member of Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church in Des Moines, Russell's spiritual commitment was an important part of his life. He volunteered on days when the church gave out food from the pantry to the community. He had a servant's heart to help in and away from the church. Russell leaves behind a lasting impact of laughter, unforgettable stories, and a voice that can fill a room. He was loud, joyful, and never missed a chance to make someone smile. He had a gift to turn moments into memories. Whether cracking jokes at family gatherings or telling stories, which he called lies. As a catch phrase, he would sometimes start some sentences by saying "as quiet as it's kept." Talking about loud, when playing cards or slapping them dominoes on a table, his voice could definitely be heard! He never lost his southern accent, so you knew who was talking. He also kept his southern roots by "trying" to introduce his family to certain foods, especially that wild game! Telling stories of eating wild game such as possum, squirrels, and coons, and that down-home cooking, which some meals he learned to master from his mom. When you think of Russell, you will remember the way he dressed, very clean, very debonair. From the way he wore his hat to the way he wore his shoes. He would walk into a room with confidence; you couldn't help but notice his tall, dark frame, from head to toe. He had a fascination for his Cadillacs, he was a proud Vikings fan, but most of all, he loved his family. If you are related to him, you can rely on him. But that goes for close friends also. He lived life boldly with a huge heart. Russell's legacy continues through his five kids, Russell Lamar Jr, Joshua Lamar, Justin Lamar, Raytron Lamar, and Autumn Nelson. Followed by his grandkids Keyera Sanders, Odyssey Lamar-Nelson, Malik Mandujano Sr, Russell (Trey) Lamar-Nelson, Synnai Lamar, Naomi Lamar, Rainy Lamar, Lily Lamar, Ivy Lamar, James Lamar, Justin Lamar Jr, Zayn Lamar, and Maverick Lamar. Russell's surviving siblings are Earl Nelson, Major Nelson, Pearl Nelson, Mark Nelson, Irving Nelson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and closest friends he leaves behind. Yearning to embrace Russell in eternity are his parents, Mary Sampson Nelson and Bert Howard BH Nelson. His siblings are Charlene Nelson, Stanley Nelson, Queen Nelson, Bert Nelson, Ben Nelson, and Jesse Nelson. Russell "Crunch" Nelson Sr.'s life was marked by his dedication to his family, faith, and community. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.