Michael Keith Nelson, 48, of Fortville lost his battle with cancer on April 24, 2016.

He is preceded in death by his father Stanley Nelson.

Michael is survived by his wife Keely Nelson; children Michael S. Nelson, Emaline Peterson, Lita Hughes, Brittany Hughes, and Olivia Hughes; granddaughter Skyler; mother Marilyn (Ellis) Nelson; brother Bryan (Christine) Nelson; and sisters Linda (Danny) Branch, Nancy (Jack) Pantuso, and Janice (Roger) Faulkner.

Mike grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, served in the US Navy as a parachute rigger, and later worked as a large equipment mechanic for the trucking and aggregate industries. Mike was a Commercial Hot Air Balloon Pilot who enjoyed flying with friends and family, competing in flying competitions, and sharing the history and science of ballooning at many schools. His other hobbies included camping, fishing, and collecting Lego’s.

A Celebration of Life Event will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in his honor to bfacamps.com or ecommunity.org. Arrangements: Indiana Funeral Care.