Keith Nelson Strader

Keith Nelson Strader, 93, peacefully passed away at 11:20 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Oaks Manor in Oakland, Illinois.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Joines Funeral Home in Newman, Illinois.

Nelson was born November 24, 1930, in Hindsboro, Illinois, the son of Clifford A. and Thelma E. (Allen) Strader. He married Edna M. Owens on June 20, 1951, in Osceola, Arkansas.

Survivors include his son, Randy (Tracy) Strader of Oakland; grandchildren, Paul (Kim) Strader of Sullivan; Megan (Richard) Toon of Clovis, NM; brother J.D. Strader of Hindsboro; sister Myra Coy of Decatur; brother-in law Archie Dague of Oakland; sisters-in-law Gayle Strader of Charleston and Marsha Strader of Florida; great-grandchildren Colten Toon and Riley Toon of Clovis, NM; Brittne McMahan (Josh Ochs) of Ingraham; Chelsee (Chance) Buchanan of Decatur; great-great grandchildren Reid Buchanan of Decatur and Darci Ochs of Ingraham. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Allen, Michael, Norman, and Danny Strader and sisters June England and Dolores Dague.

Nelson graduated with the last class from the Hindsboro High School in 1948. After attending EIU for a year, he joined the U.S. Marines in August, 1951, serving overseas in Korea. He was a supervisor at USI for several years, owned and operated service stations in Oakland and Arcola, then moved to Newton, IL, working for CIPS/Ameren as a supervisor at the Newton Power Plant.

Nelson was a member of the Oakland Christian Church, Oakland Masonic Lodge #219 and a lifelong member of the VFW. He enjoyed being with his family, especially his grandchildren, metal detecting, watching pro-basketball, his favorite team being the Golden State Warriors, and reading. His Honor Flight in 2017 with his grandson Paul Strader was a highlight in his later years.

Nelson was a wonderful husband to Edna, father, grandfather, brother and friend to others. His family is deeply grateful for the love, care, and friendships he found while living at the Oaks Manor. Nelson will be deeply missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hindsboro Christian Church, the Oakland Christian Church, or the Oakland VFW.

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