Ken Nelson, 58, of Philo, passed away at 1:23AM, Friday, December 26, 2025 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM, Friday, January 2, 2026 at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney.  Burial will be at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview.  There will be a celebration at the Philo Tavern following the burial. 

Ken was born November 28, 1967 in Urbana, a son to Junior and Jerre Eaton Nelson, both survive in Champaign.  He married Beth Craig on December 2, 1995 in Champaign, she survives.

Also surviving are his children; Brady Nelson of Philo, Blair Nelson of Philo, Brenna Nelson of Champaign, and Brant Nelson of Philo. 

He was preceded in death by his brother Kevin Nelson.

He was a referee for the IHSA for many years in basketball, football and baseball.  He even had the honor of refereeing in several state finals.

He was a Illini, Bears and Cubs fan.

He will be missed by his friends and colleagues.