Herman Oat Nelson
1934-2026
Herman Oat Nelson, age 91, of Great Cacapon, W.Va., passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026 at Willow Tree Healthcare Center in Charles Town, W.Va.
Born August 31, 1934 in Okonoka, W.Va., he was the son of the late Happ Orin and Ruth Bohrer Nelson.
He served in the United States Army during the Korean War where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Medal and the Korean Service Medal.
Herman worked as a crane operator and processor with the Pennsylvania Glass and Sand Corporation.
He enjoyed horse racing, watching wrestling, going to the beach, loved to travel and was an avid hunter, fisherman and gardener.
Herman loved God, his loving family and his dog Louie.
Herman is survived by his wife, Janice Mae Francis Nelson, at home, four daughters, Karen Mills (Wesley), Cheryl Truly, Sheila Smith and Jeanna Stotler, one son, Jerry Stotler, two sisters, Wanda Ebersole and Linda Lambert (Frank), one brother, Alvin Nelson, seven grandchildren, Jesse Mills (Joy), Jason Hook (Erin), James Hook (Jess), Lindsey Smith, Todd Smith, William Diehl and Tiffany Diehl, 14 great grandchildren, Seth, Logan, Hunter, Paige, Ava, Christian, Drayden, Jaxton, Kirra, Tayen, Lacey, Emily, Jayden and Skylar and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son Cally Joe Stotler, four brothers, Kenneth Nelson, Jennings Nelson, Dale Nelson and Dwight Nelson, one sister, Helen Cowgill and two infant siblings, Joyce Nelson and Harold Nelson.
Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026 at Hope Community Church, 31 Buzzard Acres Lane, Berkeley Springs, WV. Pastor Dave Kidwell officiated. Burial with graveside military honors provided by the Tri-State Honor Guard was in Mt. Nebo Cemetery. Visitation for Herman was from 10-11 a.m. at the church on Friday.
Arrangements are being handled by Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs, WV.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com.
