Brent Nelson, 69, of Holton, Kansas, departed this life on Monday, July 28, 2025. He was born December 10, 1955, the son of Louis "Scott" and Betty June (Proctor) Nelson.

Brent was born and raised in Holton, where he attended school and graduated with the Holton High School Class of 1974. He later earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Baker University in 1994.

Brent's strong work ethic began early, stocking bread at 4 a.m. for Joe Anweiler's bread route during his teenage years. As a high school senior, he worked at Clark Chevrolet dealership. After graduation, he joined the Topeka Goodyear plant as a journeyman maintenance mechanic. In 1980, during a Goodyear strike, he transitioned to the Santa Fe Railway Shops. His long and distinguished career culminated at Kansas Power & Light (later Westar Energy), where he dedicated 36 years of service from 1983 to 2019. Over the years, he held several roles including maintenance mechanic, Systems Substation Inspector, Electric Curriculum Writer, Electric Field Training Manager, and Safety, Training, and Risk Manager. He also earned his FCC License in 1985.

In retirement Brent was honored to serve on the Brown-Atchison Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees, where he presently held the office of Board secretary. Distinguished work on this Board led to his election on the Kansas Electric Power Cooperative (KEPCo) Board this year as an Alternate Trustee representing the Brown-Atchison Electric Cooperative Association.

Brent served his community with the same dedication he brought to his work. He was a USD 336 School Board Member from 2003 to 2009 and served as Board President from 2006 to 2009. A passionate supporter of local agriculture and youth programs, Brent was an active member of the Jackson County Fair Association for many years until his retirement in 2024. He played a vital role in relocating and developing the current fairgrounds south of Holton. He was especially proud of supporting his children's 4-H projects and school activities.

A lifelong enthusiast of Corvettes, both new and classic, Chevrolet and Dodge vehicles, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and firearms Brent found joy in the simple pleasures of life and shared those passions with his family and friends. He recently enjoyed his first Caribbean Cruise and was looking forward to many more; including his next one booked on an Alaskan Cruise.

Brent will be remembered for his loyalty, strong spirit, and unwavering dedication to family, work, and community.

Brent was baptized into the Catholic faith on May 12, 2004.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Scott and Betty Nelson, and his beloved daughter, Danielle.

He is survived by two daughters, Melissa Nelson Baldwin (Aaron) of Great Bend and Audra Miller (Corey) of Holton, two grandchildren, Myles and Dottie Miller and his former wife, Mary "Beth" Kohake Nelson, with whom he shared the joys of raising their family; a sister Sandra Morris (Tim) of Holton; twin brother Bruce Nelson (Julie) of Topeka; a younger brother Kevin Nelson (Rene') of Holton and a special friend Terry Cooper.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Holton. The family will greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening followed by Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Jackson County Fair Association or the Beck Bookman Library Building Fund and may be sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com