Obituary of Donald E. Nelson

Donald Edwin Nelson, 86, entered into eternal peace on August 08, 2018 at Addington Place in Titusville, FL in the care of Vitas Hospice. Don was born on January 18, 1932 in St. Paul, MN. He served in the United States Navy on the destroyer McDermut during the Korean War right after graduating high school. He was employed at Kennedy Space Center for over 40 years as an Electrical Technician. He married Claire White in July 1958, after meeting her on a blind date. It was love at first sight. Don and Claire were devoted to each other for almost 60 years and were rarely apart. Don’s lifelong passions were the ham radio, anything and everything electronic, warbird airplanes, flying and music. Don, who was the ultimate handyman, once rebuilt a Super Cub airplane in his small home shop and flew his wife and children to Minnesota to visit his family. Later in life, he loved flying his R/C airplanes and helicopters. He could play at least half a dozen different musical instruments and spent many years as a church organist. During his last days, he would play his harmonica. He was preceded in death by his cherished Claire, who passed away less than 6 months ago, his father and mother Alfred and Helen Nelson, his sister Judy Kannady and his son, Matthew Nelson. He leaves his loving memories to be cherished by his daughter Paula and her husband Robert (Bobby) Huscroft; his grandson Bryan Stanger; his granddaughter Ashley and her husband Jacob Marple; and his adored great-granddaughter Peyton Lily Marple, who was his sunshine. He leaves behind his niece who resides in Titusville, Julie Nelson; her father and Don’s older brother Gerald Nelson and his wife Lucy; and his younger brother William Nelson. He also leaves behind Martha Abbott, a close friend of Claire’s and who was devoted to caring for him in his final months of life. This was Martha’s promise to Claire during her final moments on this earth. Don and Claire are now together in heaven for all eternity. A “Celebration of Life” for Don will be on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at 11:00 am at New Fellowship Baptist Church, 1840 Old Dixie Highway, Titusville, FL 32796.