Nelson Bane

elson (Nellie) Leon Bane Nelson (Nellie) Leon Bane, also known as Husband/Soul mate, Dad, PaPa Nellie, Coach, Friend, Mr. Bane, and Nellie went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 8, 2018 at Franciscan Hospital after an unexpected and sudden episode of cardiac arrest on New Year’s Eve. Nelson was born on June 24, 1947 at Home Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana, the only child to Leon and Doris Nelson Bane. After graduating from Oxford High School in 1965, he continued his education at Indiana State University, graduating in 1969 with a B.S. degree in education. He later graduated with an M.S. degree in 1972 from Purdue University. On August 23, 1969 he married his high school sweetheart and soul mate, Judith A. Anderson and she survives. Nelson was a member of the Oxford Federated Church. He was also a past member of the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association, a current and 35-year member of the John Purdue Club, and a current member of the Indiana Retired Teachers Association. He loved Purdue basketball and football, Benton Central sports, and was a loyal lifetime Cub fan. He also enjoyed fishing, gardening, traveling, and driving his yellow corvette playing his favorite Jimmy Buffet music. He loved people and never met a stranger. The loved the beach and all things Disney. In 1971 Nelson and Judy were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Alisha Bane Kuckartz (Jacob) who was the light of his life. Alisha and Jacob gave him and Judy three beautiful grandchildren, Hannah, Austin, and Molly Kuckartz. He enjoyed spending time with them and being involved in their numerous activities. The many family Disney and beach vacations were wonderful, always saying we are not on vacation, we are making memories. He loved his cat, Miss Butter, who passed away after 18 years and soon after losing her he adopted two rescue kittens, Sherlock and Watson who adored him. Nelson (Nellie) was a 46-year educator, the last 43 years of which were spent at Benton Central as an 8th grade History teacher. He also taught Driver’s Education for many years and coached basketball and football. As a history teacher, he started the Washington D.C. student 8th grade trip which continues today. He spent the last ten years of his career as the Dean of Students, retiring two years ago but continued to help as needed. Nelson was a strong advocate for public schools as well as the teachers who dedicate their lives each day to make a difference in students’ lives. Not having a brother, Nelson always spoke of his brother-in-law, Michael Anderson (Peggy) as “the closest person he had to a brother.” He also has two nephews, Joshua and Joseph who have blessed his life. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Marilyn Richardson (Zel) and their daughter Larissa Jones (Brian). He was also preceded in death by an adopted sister, Eyvonne Wolf. A very special thanks to Dr. Riddell and Dr. Arnaldo and their nurses and office staff at St. Vincent Cardiology for all of the love, care, and support given to Nelson and Judy throughout this 20-year journey of heart disease. The family would also like to recognize the wonderful nursing staff of 2S at Franciscan Hospital that provided care to Nelson during the week of his hospitalization. He was truly blessed by angels looking after him. His team of doctors was exceptional and the Palliative Care team was there when we needed them most. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Nelson’s name to: - Benton Community Foundation Student Scholarship in Nelson’s name to financially assist 8th grade students on the Washington D.C. trip P.O. Box 351 Fowler, IN 47944 OR - Natalie’s Second Chance No-Kill Animal Shelter 10 S. 16th Street Lafayette, IN 47905 A celebration of Nelson’s life will be at the Benton Central Gymnasium on Sunday, January 14, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. Family, friends, and others whose lives Nelson has touched are invited to attend. Memories and condolences may be left at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com On Angel’s wings you were taken But in our heart you’ll stay And in God’s light you will rest Until we meet again some day - Thomas Kinkade

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