Nelson Bradley Michael

Nelson Michael, 82, of Unionville, MO, passed away at the Putnam County Care Center in Unionville on Tuesday, November 29, 2016.

Nelson Bradley Michael was born in Sullivan County, MO, on October 9, 1934, the son of Byron Dale and Bessie Edith (Smith) Michael, who preceded him in death. He married Amber Valentine at the home of Amber’s parents in Putnam County, MO, on October 8, 1955, and she survives at their home. Nelson and Amber began married life in Kansas City, but soon after bought a farm near Rathbun in southern Iowa. After selling to the Rathbun Lake Association they returned to Kansas City where Nelson continued to work in basement construction. However, the lure of north Missouri brought them to a farm west of Milan. In January of 1959 they purchased a farm northwest of Unionville and raised their family there. He was engaged in farming nearly his entire life.

Nelson went to work for his brother Dick in 1974. Michael’s Foundation Co. had moved to Unionville and the business was a great success. Nelson bought the business in 1978 and in 1987 purchased the concrete plant and then the business became Michael’s Foundation and Ready Mix. He sold the business to sons Nick and Monte in 1994. Nelson continued to be an important advisor on construction projects across the area. Michael’s Foundation poured several thousand yards of concrete over the years all across north Missouri and southern Iowa.

Nelson was active in the community, serving as Grand Marshal for the Homecoming parade in 1987, treasurer and deacon at West Liberty Baptist Church, and a strong supporter of Putnam County R-1 athletics. He loved to hunt and fish and, in his younger years he played on a Harris, Missouri baseball team with several fellows from west Putnam County. Nelson also liked to do wood working and he loved animals. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a good story teller.

Nelson is survived by his four children: Nick Michaels and wife Connie, Byron “Bub” Michaels, Monte Michaels, and Gina Michaels, all of Unionville. Nelson’s grandchildren are Josh Rennells and wife Tanya, Mikey Rennells and wife LaCosta, Tanner Michael, Ryan Michael, Brad Michael, Chris Michael, and Brogan Robbins. Nelson’s great grandchildren are Addison and Luke Rennells, Willem, Chandler, Hillary, Collin, and Adrian June Rennells, and Makenzi Michael. He is also survived by two brothers, C. J. Michael and wife Connie of Milan, MO, and Ted Michael and wife Delores (Dee) of Hannibal, MO. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Nelson was preceded in death by two sisters, Zeta Gilvin and Ruth Hines, and two brothers, Richard “Dick” Michaels and Kenneth Michaels.

Funeral services for Nelson Michael will be at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, at 10:30 am on Saturday, December 3, 2016. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 pm on Friday, December 2. Interment will be at the West Liberty Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the West Liberty Baptist Church or the West Liberty Cemetery and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.