Donald W. Nelson

Donald Wayne Nelson, 89, of Arkansas City, KS, passed away on February 26, 2019 at his home surrounded by his family. 

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at Shelley Family Funeral Home in Arkansas City.  Burial will follow at Springside Cemetery.  The viewing and visitation will take place on Friday from 12:00 noon-8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. The family will greet friends from 6-7:00 P.M. that evening.   A memorial has been established in Mr. Nelson’s name with Kindred Hospice.  Contributions may be made left with the funeral home. 

Donald Wayne was born on February 10, 1930 in Arkansas City, KS, the son of Frank Leslie and Anna (Eck) Nelson.  He attended school in Newkirk, OK.   At the age of 17, he started work at Total Refinery in Arkansas City.  On March 24, 1950, he was united in marriage to Betty Emmons in El Dorado, KS.  The couple made their home in Arkansas City. He retired from the refinery as a mechanic after 45 years of service in 1992.  Betty preceded him in death on January 25, 2012.  Don enjoyed fishing and woodworking. 

His family includes: his sons; Rick Nelson and wife Tammy, Bob Nelson and wife Jimmye, Mike Nelson and wife Diann and Donnie Nelson and wife Nici; his sister, Margie McLaughlin and husband Gaylon; his 23 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren and a host of other family members.  In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by son, Ralph Nelson, brother, Merrill Nelson and 2 grandchildren, Frank and Jolene Nelson.  

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