Donald "Don' Howard Nelson was born August 14, 1927 in Wyandotte, Oklahoma to Joseph Endress and Grace Maud (McDow) Nelson. He passed away on Saturday, March 27, 2021, in Duncan at the age of 93.
The family will receive guests on Friday, April 2, 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Whitt Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, April 3, at 11:30 A.M. at Whitt Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Southerland officiating. Interment will follow at Marlow Municipal Cemetery with military honors presented by the Stephens County Honor Guard and the Patriot Guard Riders. Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitt Funeral Home.
Don attended Duncan Public Schools. On August 31, 1945 he joined the US Navy and served on the USS Alabama during World War II. He was honorably discharged on August 19, 1946. During his service time he married Wanda Naomi Williams on November 20, 1945 at Duncan. He was employed as a welder in the oil industry and was a member of Local 344 of the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union in Oklahoma City. Because of his welding position, he traveled and lived all over the United States.
In his younger years, he was a good dancer. He loved music, especially Tennessee Ernie Ford and Fats Domino, and loved to play the harmonica. He was also a boxing fan and loved watching "Hee Haw" on television. Don took his family on vacations to national parks. His love of being outdoors led him to enjoy fishing, hunting and camping. Don did everything his way! He called his 357 Magnum "Sweet Sue." He never used a credit card in his life.
Don is survived by his children: Pam and spouse Charlie Alexander, Steven Craig Nelson, all of Duncan; grandchildren: Jennifer Rae Alexander, Christopher Steven Nelson, Shane William and spouse Cami Nelson, Donald Scott Nelson, Christina Michelle and spouse Rochelle Shadow, Alicia Giroux; great grandchildren: Chase Christian Lilly, Lillian Belle Shadow, Finley Olivia Shadow, Emily Greycin Shadow, Julyanna Giroux, Hope Giroux, Liam Giroux; brother, Bill and spouse Carma Nelson; nieces and nephew: Diana Gomez Hernandez, Carmen Gomez and spouse Gabriel Pelaez, Michael Richard and spouse Arlene Gomez; Paula and spouse Paul McElroy; Billy Don and spouse Cheryl Nelson; 13 great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Wanda; son, Jerry Don Nelson; sister, Mildred June Nelson-Gomez; brother-in-law, Jose del c Gomez Barrers; and niece, Kathleen Gomez Nelson-Savino.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association, online at diabetes.org.
Online condolences can be made to the family at www.whittfh.com.
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