Matthew Nelson

Matthew Boller Nelson, 62, of Green, Ohio graduated life on July, 9, 2024. 

Those who knew him as a child describe him as the sweetest boy. Those who knew him as an adult describe him as the sweetest man. Animals and weary people gravitated to him. His soothing California voice and wise Midwest words comforted those who who needed him. He always had cash in his wallet for the homeless having overcome it himself early in life. His motto was, “Always only ever perfect.” which was how he turned every obstacle into a gift. 

He was a musician, who wrote, performed and produced two albums, a great cook who hosted “The Lightning Chef” YouTube channel, an artist who made stunning jewelry and an actor who featured in two award-winning films. 

He was a night owl who never missed a full moon. He described the solar eclipse of 2024 as “an inverted full moon” and was awe-struck by it. That he chose to leave in the year of the inverted full moon is a testament to his spiritual nature. 

Even his dark side was fun. He was sometimes described as “Morbid Matt” because he could start a story; “My boss Tony would put an 'o' at the end of anything to make it sound Spanish...” and then it would take an unexpected turn, “...went to Acapulco on vacation and dropped dead of a heart attack.” You never knew where a conversation would end, but it was always interesting on its way there. 

He overcame addiction, homelessness and alcoholism, but was a lifetime advocate for marijuana legalization. It was a great pain and anxiety relief when he contracted cancer. 

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Barbara Campbell and Raymond Nelson and is survived by bereaved long time companions, Dawn, Shane and Wren Howard, his chosen brother, Adrian Brooks Collins, sister Meredith Herd, brother Tim Nelson and several nieces. He is also survived by three beloved rescue dogs and cats. 

A celebration of life bonfire will be held at his home in Green.. In lieu of flowers he suggested a donation to the local animal shelter of your choice.