SCRANTON, Kan. – Arley Ray Neilson, 91, passed away on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at Midland Hospice House, Topeka, Kan. He was born July 1, 1931, near Vassar, Kan., the son of John and Halcie Marie (Goldsmith) Neilson.

Arley attended Vassar Grade School, and received his GED while in the service stationed in Korea. Most of his life was spent as a farmer and stockman. He also worked at Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant from 1987 to 1995. He served in the United States Army from May 1952 to April 1954, serving in the Korean War and being discharged at the rank of sergeant. Arley had served on several local boards, including the ASC Committee, the soil conservation board and the local water district board. He attended Grace Community Church, Overbrook, Kan.

On Aug. 4, 1955, Arley was united in marriage to Josephine Rose, in Lawrenceburg, Ind. To this union three children were born, Cathy, Ron and Robin.

Arley was preceded in death by his son, Ronald Ray Neilson, on Feb. 9, 2023; son-in-law, Terry Keezer; parents, John and Marie Neilson; two brothers, Ludell and Clyde Neilson; and sister, Virginia Huffman.

Arley is survived by his wife, Jo, of 67 years; two daughters, Cathy Jo Keezer, Wichita, Kan., and Robin Kay Nitcher (Gerry), Pomona, Kan.; daughter-in-law, Connie Neilson, Scranton, Kan.; sister-in-law, Lois Neilson, Pomona; and 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 29, at Grace Community Church, Overbrook. Burial will be in the Vassar Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, April 28, at Feltner Funeral Chapel, Lyndon, Kan.

Memorial contributions can be made to Grace Community Church or Midland Hospice Care, sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451. Condolences can be left at feltnerfuneralhome.com.