Donald Osburn Nelson Sr.

Donald, age 83, passed away Monday, May 28, 2018 (Memorial Day). Donald was preceded in passing by his parents; James and Vera Nelson, brothers; James, Earl, and Melborn, sisters; Sybil Nelson, Tennie Ward, Lucille Dunn, and Margaret Nelson, and also grandson; Darrin Cody Dykes.

Mr. Nelson is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shelvadean Nelson, daughters; Debi Dykes, Barbara Godwin, and Cathy Parker, sons; Don Jr. ad Alan Nelson, sisters; Eva Gill, Gladys Wheeler, Sylvia Stewart, and brother John Nelson, and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren; Tony, Tobie, and T.J. Jeter, Jeff and Brandon Dykes, Christina Schlossberg, Michael Cook, Cassie Cook, Amber Parker and Thomas Parker. He is also survived by numerous great grandchildren; AC, Chris, Noah, Dove, Lucille, Colton, and Jasper Jeter, Dakota and Avery Jeter, Brooklyn, Austin, Hunter, Nora Simpkins, Mary Cooley, Hayden, Lila, and Miller Dykes, Cody Dykes, Preston and Cole Schlossberg, Tripp and Gemma Cook, Trae and Landuhn Wayne, Keyghan Murdock, Caleb Kuhns, and Ares and Athena Parker.

Mr. Nelson joined the Marine Corp. from 1954-1957 and was an active member of The American Legion. After getting married, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson resided in Easton, Pennsylvania where he worked at a paper mill. Around 1968 they packed up and moved to Pensacola, FL in hopes of a better life. There he got a position on the railroad with the help of younger brother Johnny Nelson. He worked at the Burlington Northern Railroad for 21 years when he retired due to health reasons.

Mr. Nelson enjoyed fishing, woodworking, NASCAR racing, motorcycles, and Tall Ships. He was an avid reader and when he lost his vision he listened to audio books.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, June 5, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a funeral service the following day at 10:00 a.m. at National Cremation & Burial Society. A graveside service will immediately follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.