Norman L. "Joe" Nash

Norman L. "Joe" Nash, 91, of Palestine, IL, died January 26, 2021, in the comfort of his home. Joe was born January 29, 1929, in Heathsville, IL, to Velma Nash-Hawkins, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his step-father, Ira Hawkins; by his step-brothers, Charles Hawkins and Robert Hawkins; and by his step-sister, Judith Ann Hawkins. He married Rae Jean McNair on July 29, 1955, and she too preceded him in death on April 24, 2014. He is survived by his nieces & their husbands, Cynthia & Jim Zellers (Robinson, IL) and Nikki & Randy Fancil (Oblong, IL); by his nephew & his wife Rob & Becky Hawkins (Palestine, IL); and by 7 great-nieces and nephews, Meggan Zellers, Morgan Zellers (Robinson, IL), Logan Hawkins (Oblong, IL), Zack Tuttle (Annapolis, IL), Josh Tuttle (Indianapolis, IN), Ethan Fancil (Oblong, IL) and Carson Fancil (Oblong, IL). Joe knew humble beginnings as a boy, which would leave a lasting impression that could be seen in how he lived his life and loved his neighbors. For most of his 91 years, he was an active member of and servant to his community. He provided 25 years of continued police service for Palestine, having served in this capacity from 1970-1995. In addition to this, he spent 14 years (1985-1999) as the chief correctional officer with the Crawford County Sheriff's Department. From 1963-2010, he did his part to protect his friends and neighbors as a fireman with the LaMotte Fire Protection District, where he eventually became the assistant fire chief. His service didn't end there, as he was also a member of the Leaverton Park Board. He longed to better himself and did so through Freemasonry. A longtime member of the Palestine Masonic Lodge #849, he was also active in the Danville Consistory as well. Joe indeed wore many titles throughout his career; however, it was evident that he understood that the measure of a man is not necessarily his title or his position, but rather how he treats others. He was stopped numerous times by men and women he had incarcerated, thanking him for being fair and just in their time of need. This speaks to his kind-hearted and humble nature. To have known Joe Nash was to love the man, as he represented the very best of our humanity. We will miss his wit and his stories but know that his story is not over, as he continues to live on in our hearts, encouraging us to continue his good work of making our world a better place. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 30th, at the Palestine Cemetery, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. A live stream of his service can be viewed on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by going to https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . Memorials may be made to "Lincolnland Hospice Grant-A-Wish", to help meet end-of-life requests for area hospice patients. Checks may be mailed to: Goodwine Funeral Homes 303 E Main St Robinson, IL 62454 The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of arrangements.