Rufus Nelson

Baker’s Square Restaurant lost a loyal customer on July 3, 2020 when Rufus “Buzz” Henry Nelson went on to be with the Lord, just a few days after his 65th birthday.  Buzz passed unexpectedly after experiencing a cardiac event on July 1, 2020. Born June 20,1955 to Rufus B. and Shirley I. Nelson. It was almost unbelievable when he would tell people about how many “close calls” he had experienced in his life:  like the time he almost drowned as a young child.  Or the time when he lost his arm in a trash compactor.  Or the other various heart incidents, strokes and seizures that the doctors never expected a recovery from. He was known as the man with 9 lives, and because of this, his kids always saw him as invincible. 

His children were always on his mind and the apple of his eye. Buzz was what some would call a 'ladies man', and is survived by 3 of his 4 wives.  His marriage to his first wife, Yolanda, produced 2 of his 4 biological children, Rufus Bailey Nelson of Medina, Ohio (46) Lyndsay.  Jennifer Nelson of Mentor, Ohio (44) Bob . His second wife, Gina Tatsumi produced Amanda Maria Bayati of Virgina (35), Amir. Jonathon Nelson of Huntington, Ohio(31) Marissa. Buzz also had two step children, Alex and Dasha. He is survived by 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren:  Bailey, Courtney, Karlan, Nicholas, Austin, Josiah, Ellyanna, Colette, Kayden and Kamden. 

Buzz is also survived by two of his four brothers David of Nashville, Tennessee and Thomas of Geneva, Ohio

Those who knew Buzz knew the things he cared most about:  His God, his Country,his cars, and his family.   Buzz was the kind of guy who believed that God could still perform miracles.  He would tell strangers off the street of the times God came to his rescue and ask them to put their faith in Him.  When it came to his Country, he believed that this was truly the best Nation in the world and all Democrats were going straight to hell...but God still loved them, of course.

Every house he ever lived in had to have a garage so he could “tinker” on his cars.  He loved cars so much that he kind of thought his body was like an old ‘65 Mustang.  Everytime something broke he thought, no problem you can just replace the carburetor, slap some new tires on it, and it’s good as new.  

Buzz received his nickname from his grandmother who said he would always “buzz” around with all his energy.  His energy was contagious and he could never sit still.  His children will miss the long and deep conversations about life and all the times he would try to “set us straight” with his lectures. They will miss his sense of humor and wit and even all his unsolicited advice.  He is irreplaceable but we are grateful for the life he lived….all 9 of them.  

At this time due to Covid, (which Buzz had a strong opinion about) there will be no funeral services. We would ask that you leave a story or memory about our Dad, so many people knew and loved him, we love to hear about the things that made this man who he was.

Love,

Rufus, Jennifer, Amanda, and Jonathon Nelson