WILLARD RUSSELL NELSON, 83, of Lansing, died Monday, June 2, 2008 at Heartland Lansing Care Center. He was born September 16, 1924 in St. Clairsville, the son of the late John and Anna (Steward) Nelson. Nelson retired as a drop hammer operator after 33 years with Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, Martins Ferry Plant, and was Presbyterian by faith. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, gardening and berry picking. He served honorably and bravely during WWII. Willard was well known as a Little League umpire for many years, serving as Umpire in Chief for Eastern Ohio, and umpiring the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. He was a past Chairman of the Belmont County Swim League and was an accomplished bowler, carrying a 175 average, even at the age of 81. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife Betty Mae (Shores) Nelson; two brothers Roy and Art Nelson; and two sisters Gladys Hines and Virginia Imer. Willard is survived by two daughters Karen Thomason and Sonja Crumbley and her husband James; a son Larry Nelson; five grandchildren Rick and Brian Kalo, Travis and Cory Nelson and Lyndsey Crumbley; as well as eight great grandchildren. Visitation will be Wednesday 2 - 8 pm at Wilson Funeral Home, 920 National Rd., Brookside, where funeral services will be held Thursday at 10 am. Interment will follow at Linwood Cemetery, Blaine. Full military services will be conducted by the Belmont County Council of the American Legion.