Donald Nelson

Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, Grove, OK 918-786-2261 Born 4/6/1937 to Victor L Nelson and Effie A Harris in Shawnee, OK. Don was married to Linda K Powell on 3/3/62 in Oklahoma City. After graduating from Shawnee High School Don became an Aggie at Oklahoma A & M where he played on the varsity tennis team and earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He pledged Kappa Sigma Fraternity where he developed significant lifelong friendships with many of his brothers. He has been a faithful season ticket holder for OSU football for many years and developed quite a talent for tailgating. Don was a poster child for the "I Bleed Orange" concept. Don's first employment was delivering furniture and appliances for his uncle's store in Shawnee. His next significant employment was helping to introduce the American public to Disneyland during its initial season of operation. Of course, there was also that summer where he in lived in the P T Barnum (Barnum and Bailey) mansion on Coronado Island while attending San Diego State University. Shortly after graduating from OSU Don met Linda Powell and a connection was made instantly. They were a perfect example of opposites attracting to each other. Don was the outgoing extrovert that was never without something to say in front of a crowd and Linda was the reserved and cautious type that never wanted to cause a stir. They completed each other. March 3, 2014 would have been their 52nd wedding anniversary. Ultimately, he spent 36 years serving as a Director with SWBT/AT&T. It was challenging for him to go from managing 600 people to managing only one somewhat uncooperative spouse, thus he failed his first attempt at retirement. He then became an estate tax auditor for the State of Oklahoma for another seven years. As a stereotypical only child he was accustomed to being in charge and in control. That trait stayed with him literally until the very end of his life here on earth - as he was giving instructions on canceling and adjusting medical appointments minutes before he departed this life. A good portion of Don's early adult life was spent in San Antonio and subsequently Boerne, TX. While there he and Linda bought a weekend home on Medina Lake and had their only child, Jon Andrew. Don would spend many enjoyable hours with family and friends there either on the water in a boat or in the water with a float. Don treasured and nurtured his friendships, keeping in close contact with friends even when living significant distances from one another. The honorary casket bearers, Jerry Allison and Leigh Ewing of San Antonio; Jim Lowe of Shawnee; John Gilmour of Kingfisher; Ed Callison of Cleveland; and Charles Foster of San Antonio, who preceded Don in death, are a testament to his love for his "oldest" friends. Donald was the epitome of the classic extrovert, very people oriented. He enjoyed being the center of attention and never wanted to miss the opportunity for having a good time. Don had an enviable zest for life. He was fun loving and enjoyed entertaining others with his many adventures and stories. Each recollection became more entertaining and a bit more adventurous with each telling. Unfortunately, some of his best stories are inappropriate for this setting. He could and often did create clever original poems to honor or celebrate an occasion or person. Water-skiing was a passion, to a point where he was talented enough to ski competitively and entered skiing tournaments for several years. From his first boat in the 50s until this past summer he enjoyed a multitude of water activities. He never passed up the opportunity for a boat ride, especially if he was driving. Don, with his competitive nature demanded that he always have the fastest car, the fastest boat, and lastly, the fastest golf cart. The Acts Sunday School Class has provided significant enrichment to Don's faith journey and fellow classmates have been most supportive in many ways. We offer special recognition to David and Linda Tayrien, Pete Pridgeon and Larry and Lynne Green for the exceptional care and concern they have extended to Don and his family. Don is survived by his wife, Linda: his son, Jon, and wife, Molly, and three grandsons, Ethan, Alex, and Aaron Nelson of Plano, TX. In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests any donations be made to the American Heart Association in Don's memory.

Service Details

Saturday, February 8th, 2014 1:00pm, First United Methodist Church - Grove

Interment Details

Cremation