Donald Nelson

Don Nichols Nelson, age 96, passed away peacefully, May 17, 2022 with his beloved wife at his side. He was born on January 7, 1926 in Rochester, NY. His parents, Herb Adler Nelson and Ruth Esther Nichols Nelson and his son, Jim Nelson, from San Diego preceded him in death.

Don served as a radio gunner in a torpedo bomber in WW11. He was a construction supervisor and an estimator. Later, he graduated from a specialty program at Yale University Medical School and became head of Respiratory Therapy Department at Baptist Hospital in 1970. He was also involved in organizing the Respiratory Therapy program at PJC.

Don had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and was always learning. His interests included: history, Bible, archeology, the Jewish language, building furniture, and owning and flying a Mooney airplane. He was the designer and builder of a very unique and beautiful home. His sense of humor brightened the lives of those who knew him. He was a member of the Pensacola Seventh day Adventist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Maria and their daughter, Viki (David) Garcia of Austin, TX; Grandchildren, Brendan, Katheryn, and Kendall Blanks and Eva and Liliana Garcia. Daughters, Mary (Ross) Mikel, Cherri (Harold) Cremetz, Barbara Vice and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, a donation could be made to The Global Corner, The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Guild, or The Enhancement Fund at The University Parkway Seventh-day Adventist Church.

A visitation for Donald will be held Tuesday, May 31, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, 3351 Scenic Highway 90e, Pensacola, FL 32503, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM. A committal service will occur Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS, Pensacola, FL 32508.