Donald T. Nelson

Donald Theodore Nelson, 88, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. He was born into this life August 27, 1935, to Theodore and Victoria Nelson in Chicago, Illinois. Don now joins them in heaven along with his devoted wife of nearly 60 years, Myrna Jane (Kuhn) Nelson. He is survived by his only sibling and brother Wayne B. Nelson and his five children: Cinthia Bernice Nelson, Maureen Marie Nelson Faul, Daniel Theodore Nelson, Matthew Donald Nelson (Kelly), and Adam Edward Nelson (Christie).

Don relished his role as Grandpa and deeply loved his eleven grandchildren: Benjamin, Timothy, Brie, Ian, Chloe, Hannah, Jared, Ava, Bridget, Luke, and Fletcher. As each came along, they earned a spot on the couch next to him to read alongside each other from a big book of children’s fairytale stories and snack on Granny Smith apples.

Don attended Crown Point High School where he served as Senior Class President (1953), perhaps a precursor to his future in politics. He received his undergraduate degree from Ball State University and served as President of the Iota Alpha chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, enjoying time with his brother there. He was fondly known on campus as “Big Swede” and his younger brother, Wayne, was dubbed “Little Swede”.

While earning his master’s degree at Southern Illinois University, Don met a beautiful woman named Myrna. Don and Myrna began their life together when they married on June 20, 1959, at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Palatine, IL. A honeymoon trip to New Orleans kicked off an enduring marriage filled with children, politics, travel, and Christ.

Don and Myrna went onward to Indiana University – Bloomington where he completed work on a Ph.D. and the family grew to two daughters. Don secured employment with Eli Lilly & Company, and they moved to Indianapolis in 1966, after which three sons came along to round out the family. With Christ at the center of their life, Don and Myrna settled near St. Luke Catholic Church, becoming steadfast parishioners and members of the community, sending their children and grandchildren to St. Luke School and Bishop Chatard High School.

Don entered politics via the recruitment of renowned L. Keith Bulen in the changeover of power in Indianapolis and Marion County in the late 1960’s. Don was elected and served in the Indiana House of Representatives from 1968 – 1992. Don held leadership positions as Chairman for Public Health and Environmental Affairs; Urban Affairs; Public Health; Public Policy and Veterans Affairs Committees and Assistant Caucus Chairman.

In addition to his dedication to the GOP and all things Indiana, Don volunteered as a baseball coach at Delaware Trails Little League making time to spend summers with his boys, and making sure that Matt didn’t throw his arm out as a young pitcher. Don was a die-hard Chicago White Sox fan, but switched his football allegiance from the Chicago Bears to the Indianapolis Colts as he was proudly involved with the creation of the new NFL stadium to host the new team’s arrival in 1984.

Don enjoyed the privilege of traveling with Myrna across the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Holy Land. But his favorite place was fishing with his grandchildren on the Brandywine Bridge in Palisades Park, Michigan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Msgr. Joseph Schaedel on Saturday, December 23 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church, Indianapolis. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel. You are invited to visit the website www.leppertmortuary.com to share a personal memory of Don, and make Memorial contributions to: https://maryknollsociety.org/ or Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers PO Box 302 Maryknoll, NY 10545.