Stephen Richard Nelson

            Stephen Richard Nelson, 63, of Seneca, was born in Franklin on June 28, 1961, a son of Virginia B. (Vandermark) Nelson and the late Donald E. Nelson, Jr.  He was called Home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday afternoon, July 8, 2024, following a courageous battle with cancer. 

            He graduated from Cranberry High School in 1979.  He was selected to sing a solo at Pageant Hall in New Jersey for the State Choral Qualifications during his senior year.  He graduated from Clarion State College as a Music Instructor, and later taught in Yeager, West Virginia; North Clarion; and Cranberry  School District.  His teaching accomplishments were taking his Marching Band to many parades in Pennsylvania. 

            Steve became interested in Artistic Chainsaw Carving and he opened his own business in Seneca called "The Cutt 'N' Hut" where he created Big Foot, Bears, Eagles, Flags, Flowers, and many animals and birds.  He also did special orders for tables, benches, bars, or other customer requests.  He traveled to many showings throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio. 

            He was a member of Seneca Son Rise Church of the Global Methodist faith. 

            He was preceded in death by his father, Donald E. Nelson Jr.; his maternal grandparents Edward and Helen Vandermark; and his paternal grandparents Donald Sr. and Harriet Nelson. 

            Steve is survived by his mother, Virginia Nelson; a sister, Beverly (Jeffrey) Burkett of Brookville; a brother Kenneth (Wendy) Nelson of Cranberry; his son Lance (Angie) Nelson; a daughter Dreama (Mathew) Harton; and three grandchildren, Camdyn Baker, Addyson Nelson, and Jacob Harton.  Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews also survive, as does his beloved pet dog, "Groot."

            Stephen's family would like to thank Dr. Penland and the UPMC Northwest Hospital staff for the service they provided to him this last year.  They would also like to thank his Chainsaw Carving family and friends for their support.  He cherished the friendship they shared with him. 

            Visitation will be held Thursday (July 11) from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. in Hile-Best Funeral Home, 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca.  Additional visitation will be held Friday (July 12) from noon - 12:45 p.m. in the Seneca Son Rise Church, 196 East State Road in Seneca, where a funeral service will be held Friday at 1 p.m.  Rev. Roberta "Bobbie" Nelson, Stephen's aunt, will officiate.  Interment will follow in the Rockland Cemetery in Kennerdell. 

            Memorial contributions may be made to the Ridgway Rendezvous (Chainsaw Carving Event) at www.chainsawrendezvous.org; the American Cancer Society; or to Seneca Son Rise Church. 

            To express online condolences to Stephen's family, visit www.hilebest.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephen Richard Nelson, please visit our floral store.