DONALD W NELSON

Donald W. Nelson, 89, of Sandusky, Ohio went home to be with the Lord on May 2, 2015. He was born on February 19, 1926, to John and Amy Nelson in Cleveland, Ohio. Don was a World War II United States Armed Forces Veteran who served his country in the 101st Airborne and spent his later years at the Ohio Veteran’s Home.

As a former paratrooper, he had an amazing zest for life and would be up for anything, at any age – he even enjoyed Cedar Point’s biggest thrills at 87-years-old. His interests included sports – particularly cheering on the Cleveland sports teams, fishing, and playing and watching golf. He was a lover of dogs and God’s great outdoors. Mostly, he enjoyed spending quality time with friends and family around a good meal. His relationship with Christ was his number one priority and he was an active member of Christ Church in Columbia Station, Ohio. He helped others who struggled through grief, addiction, and recovery and he offered a kind smile and welcoming embrace to everyone he met.

Don is survived by his four daughters, Debby (John) Westerman; Judith (Patrick) Brady; Tracy (Marc) Holbury; and Cindy Nelson; grandchildren, Rudy, Tim, and Scott Westerman; Bryan and Nicholas (Dana) Galloway; Matthew (Sarah) Parker and Jillian (Steven) Vento, Katelyn Holbury; and Amanda Geissler; great-granddaughters Skyler Basch and Isabella Vento; nephew, Jon (Liz) Nelson and many extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Amy; and stepmother, Ruth; brothers, Allen (Lillian) Nelson, Paul Nelson and Walter (Grace) Nelson; and beloved four-legged family member, Chloe.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 8, 2015, at Christ Church, 23080 Royalton Rd., Columbia Station, OH 44028 with service from 5-6 p.m. and a reception with light refreshments to follow. Carlson Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 3477 Medina Road (corner of River Styx and Rt. 18), Medina, Ohio were entrusted with arrangements.