Staff Directory

Blair Nelsen, President

Blair is proud of his service to his community and country. A retired Air Force pilot, Blair holds a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction from the University of Virginia, a Master of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and earned an Associate of Funeral Science from John Tyler Community College. He served on the City of Richmond School Board and as an officer and director of numerous civic and business groups, including the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, the Hopewell Prince George Chamber of Commerce, the Metro Richmond YMCA, the Henrico Police Foundation and the Hopewell Rotary Club.  Blair is a Mason and belongs to Acca Shrine and the Scottish Rite.  He is a member of the Sons of the Revolution and the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.

Blair is proud to be a funeral director, serving as a Director of the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA), President of Preferred Funeral Directors International (PFDI) and is a Past President of the Independent Funeral Homes of Virginia (IFHV). In 2006, Governor Tim Kaine appointed Blair to the Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. He, his wife, Darcie, and two daughters, reside in Richmond.

John Walker, Manager, Reid Chapel

John, is a graduate of John Tyler College, Mortuary Science Program and proudly celebrated 30 years of funeral service in 2007.

Active in the community, he is a Past Master of Northside Masonic Lodge #292, A.F. & A.M., a member of Richmond Royal Arch #3, the Richmond Commandery #2, Knights Templar, the Civil War Lodge of Research #1865, A.F. & A.M. and the Ashland Masonic Lodge #168, A.F. & A.M. John, a history enthusiast, is a co-founder and honorary member of the Forty Fourth Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment ( Civil War Re-enactors), a member of the Monpelier Ruritan and is a avid Model A Ford Car enthusiast belonging to and a past president of the Old Dominion Chapter Model A Ford Club, a member of the Model A Ford Club of America and the Model A Restorers Club.

He is married to the former Tracy M. Lombardo of Richmond and they have one daughter English Ashton.

Luke Boles, Manager, Laburnum Chapel

 Luke is a native of Loudoun County, Virginia. His twelve year career in funeral service began at a young age by learning to care for families in the Washington Metropolitan area. After serving in all aspects of traditional Virginia funeral service, Luke spent seven years providing comprehensive funeral care in Florida. His time there has provided him with expertise in custom tribute planning as well as cremation with unique memorialization. He attended the University of the District of Columbia and is a graduate of St. Petersburg College. Luke is proud to be a part of Nelsen Funeral Home’s uncompromised care and service. 

Luke enjoys attending community events and functions with his wife and three daughters. He is a devout Baptist and active Mason, who enjoys fishing, music, friends and family.

Mike Keesling, Manager, Hopewell Chapel

Mike has been in funeral service for over 40 years and received his Associate of Funeral Science from John Tyler Community College. Mike's experience includes serving families both at their time of need as a funeral director and in advance planning as a preneed counselor. 

He is a member of the Hopewell-Prince George Chamber of Commerce, the Hopewell Moose Lodge and Hopewell Lions Club and the DuPont Masonic Lodge. Mike and his wife, Pauline, are proud to be members of the Tri-Cities community.