Mr Nelson was my choir teacher at Otto in 1962-63. He wrote and produced an Operetta called "What 'cha don't know can't hurt you." He was so talented and inspirational he made every song a story and gave it life. I met my future husband who starred in the Operetta, Mike Ferris as Captain Gregory Handsome. It was filmed the day Little Stevie Wonder came to hear us. I always wanted our kids to see us on the stage together (I was 13!)  But efforts to find a copy of the film were unsuccessful.  However, I did call Mr Nelson in 2007 and he asked me if Mike would consider joining the Nelson Singers. It was a wonderful phone call and I'll never forget it. I'll never forget the man who taught me so much more than the sound of music, but the life and spirit of every song we sang (many spirituals with all the background). Truly a great man.

I had Mr. Nelson as a teacher in 1962-3 at Otto Junior High School.  He was a wonderful, dynamic man and a great teacher.  Rest in peace brother.  We will sing in the future.

Dear Morgan ,
 My heart and prayers go out to you and your entire family on this very sad occasion.  We have  lost a truly great man: a great Senator, Leader, Singer, Pastor, Friend, and in your case a GREAT  father.
As you know, I adored your father and  appreciated the wonderful ways he championed higher education in our state! He was always ready to listen and  learn of the many  ways Michigan State University was advancing the state and of the ways in which the legislature could help! 
He was especially proud to be a member of, and champion for, many different legislative caucuses and causes and advocated passionately for them all...even the unofficial ones: like the "kitty caucus"  which was composed of  younger legislators (Lynn Jondahl, Debbie Stabenow, and Dave Hollister) and the "hillbilly caucus"    including Billy Huffman and  Bobby Crim who shared his southern roots!!!
He  was admired and loved by so many.  He truly made a difference  and will be tremendously missed!

With deepest sympathy in the loss of a good friend we will surely miss him. sincerely Nilda Rodriguez and family

My family and I are grateful to the Lord that we had the opportunity to know Earl and Jo.  They're together again in the presence of the Lord!- Pastors Jonathan and Kimberly Anderson, Exceeding Grace Christian Center, St. Petersburg,FL

Thank God for our dear  Uncle Earl for his  generosity and support of the ministry of his nephew, Michael H. Martin, late pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee and family.

Earl was such a great teacher and friend. I will miss his laughter. Blessings on his family.

My prayers for peace and comfort go out to Mr. Nelson's family. He was my choir teacher at Otto Jr. High School. He always put spirit into his music and directing, God bless you all...........Cassie Waterman

Mr. Earl Nelson was one of the finest men I have ever known in my lifetime.  He was a great inspiration to me when he was my choir teacher at Otto Middle School.  He loved his students and we all loved him.  He loved music and taught us all to love it as well.  I shall NEVER forget him.   Sincere condolences to his family.  With deepest regards, Patricia DeGroat Young

I learned so much from Earl. Some of the most formative years of my career were working with him and Judy Martin and Joyce Seals and the King-Chavez-Parks Initiative. He was a fine gentleman who taught me to seize every moment of leadership while you have it for the better good. He did. He also led me to my final work at the state department in the arts when he came to me and said- the department is getting a lot of calls from the arts people. I know your background maybe you can fill in and who knows. I did. Thank you Earl for a life well-lived. You were and remain an inspiration.

My heart goes out to Laura, Sondra, Dean, Morgan, & Toni.  I will truly miss your Dad.  He was such a giving man, and a loving father.  Anyone who has ever met him knew they were in the presence of someone very special. "God" has always walked with him, and "God" is with him now.  I was lucky enough to personally know his joy for family, and his tireless work helping others while serving in the state legislator. He will always be missed by me and many others.

My sincere condolences to the entire Nelson family.  I haven't seen Earl & Jo for 20 years, but we were next door neighbors on West Ottawa St. in Lansing for about 10 years.  Earl was just the kindest man and sweetest neighbor you could ever imagine. He once held my hand through a family emergency and I'll never forget how calm he made me feel.  I loved hearing him belt out gospel songs as he mowed his meticulous lawn and probably thought no one could hear.  His voice was mesmerizing.  God bless all of Earl's loved ones; it was obvious how much he loved all of you!  Sue Larson (used to be Cormier), Eaton Rapids, MI

My thoughts and prayers are with Earl and all of his family. Toni/Morgan,  I am so very sad for your loss. Your Dad'S legacy has been a very inspirational part of my life for the past 17 years as an active member of the Earl Nelson Singers. His mission was to perserve the Negro Spiritual, and that mission has blessed my soul and countless others.  I love you both and I hope some of your fond memories give you some comfort during this difficult time. Hugs & love always, Chelsea Hare-West & family

OBITUARIO

Earl Edward Nelson

29 agosto, 1937 – 1 noviembre, 2016

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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