Scranton - Arley Ray Neilson, 91, passed away on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at Midland Hospice House in Topeka, Kansas. He was born on July 1, 1931, near Vassar, Kansas, 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 of 1952 to April of 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 in Overbrook.

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

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

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

Funeral services for Arley will be at 10:30am on Saturday, April 29, at the Grace Community Church in Overbrook. Burial will be in the Vassar Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00pm on Friday at the Feltner Funeral Chapel in Lyndon. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Community Church or Midland Hospice Care, sent in care of the funeral home.