Robert H. Nelson

Robert Henry Nelson entered the world on May 11, 1946, in Washington, D.C., the oldest son of seven children born to Oliver Nelson and Eva Beatrice Newton. It was a time of progress and optimism for black families as the civil rights movement saw social and legislative advancements while Robert matriculated through D.C. Public Schools. He was both a scholar and athlete, playing football and basketball and competing in track and field.

When he graduated from McKinley Technical High School in 1964, he was given the choice to continue his education or join the military. The U.S. was heavily involved in the Vietnam War. The Civil Rights Act was newly minted. He weighed the options and decided he wanted to “see the world” so, on September 22, 1964, he packed his bags and entered Marine Corps boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina.

Robert deployed with the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Division to Phu Bai, in the Hue Province of Vietnam where he served as a rifleman and later as a Battalion Scout for the Headquarters Company.

During his 11-month tour, he was wounded in action, sustaining shrapnel to his chest and arms, and was evacuated out of the theater of operations to Tripler Army Hospital in Hawaii. He would receive the Purple Heart for his actions in combat. After a period of recuperation, Robert moved on to his next duty station at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina and completed his military career at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., also known as "8th & I," the oldest active post in the corps.

Back home in D.C., he found love with Jacquelyn Shivers. The two married in 1967 and their union would be blessed with two daughters, Terryn and Rachelle.

Upon separation from the Marine Corps, Robert worked for a short while with the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier before joining the National Park Service as a Park Policeman with the Horse Mounted Unit at the Rock Creek Park Station. His duties included patrolling the park and maintaining order during major demonstrations, special events, parades, and even presidential inaugurations. An expert rider, he also competed in horse drills and jumping competitions where he amassed multiple ribbons and trophies. His love of horses was infectious, and he taught horseback riding for many years at the Rock Creek Park Horse Center for Therapeutic Riding.

During this time, Robert obtained a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from American University and, after 15 years with the Park Police, he pursued an opportunity to continue his civil service career with the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) in Northeast Washington, D.C. While there, he became a senior executive with Worker’s Compensation, Equal Opportunity and Security. He joined Toastmasters, sat on the GPO Credit Union board and, in his spare time, earned a master's degree from Trinity College.

Robert retired in 2006, marking the commencement of 42 years in federal service. Not one to sit idle, he became a real estate agent and a proud trustee of Riverside Baptist Church. He traveled and followed his dream of visiting Ghana. He became dedicated to the two joys of his life, his grandchildren, Hassan and Cecilly, providing for their needs, enrolling them in piano and clarinet lessons, taking them to church and volunteering at their schools.

Robert’s zest for life was undeniable, his laugh, easy and frequent. He enjoyed the company of friends, even the furry kind. He cherished moments with family. He was known to buy used cars to donate or gift to friends. His interests were varied and many; from concerts, to plays to a fine glass of wine. A reader and war history buff, he was well versed in the Civil and World Wars. When visiting a museum or historical site, he was one of those people who would stop to read every plaque and was always primed to contribute in a lively discussion on politics, current affairs and religion.

An avid fan of football and basketball, he had a love-hate relationship with the (now) Washington Football Team. When they were doing poorly, he would playfully announce that he was officially a Baltimore Ravens fan!

He had many nicknames over the years: Bob, Bobby, Buttermilk (the origin of that one is still unclear), and his grandchildren lovingly called him Poppy, perhaps the most endearing of them all.

Surrounded by family and friends at Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C., Robert Henry Nelson entered into God’s eternal arms on November 1, 2021, following the path traversed by his sister Alice Leazer-Sharps, and brothers Cary and Oliver Nelson before him. His sisters, Judith Culberson and Gloria Nelson, brother, Kenneth Nelson, along with his daughters, grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends remain to carry his memory and continue his legacy.

Poppy, we will miss you terribly. You have been a wonderful father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and a loyal, trusted friend. Thank you for your love, your fierce protection and devotion, your wisdom and bravery, and your service to our country. Semper Fidelis. Always Faithful.