Donald D. Nelson

Donald D. Nelson, 90 of rural Patoka passed away on Saturday, December 26, 2020 at this home.  He was born in Gibson County, July 15, 1930 to Samuel Hilbert and Velma (Sinkhorn) Nelson.

He was a proud U.S. Army Veteran serving in the Korean War.  He was retired from Bristol-Myers Squibb where he was a researcher.  Don and Barbara traveled to all the continental United States and Canada and spent several winters in Florida. They attended many family reunions throughout the United States. 

Don was a member of the Church of God (Anderson) serving in various capacities throughout the years.

He most recently attended Bethel Memorial Church.  He was member of the Mt. Olympus Lions Club, D.A.V., Gibson County Antique Machinery Association, and Fish and Wildlife Conservation Club of Princeton. He enjoyed collecting antiques, restoring his 1939 tractor, and spending time in his workshop in the pole barn.  He was very gifted in cooking, baking and candy making, which he loved sharing with others and did so just this Christmas.

His grandchildren were the delight of his life and he spent much time with them while they were growing up. He enjoyed visiting with his buddies from the Korean War days, locating them on the internet, getting in contact with them and then visiting with them in various states across the country.  He had the unique ability of remembering their names from when he served 1951-1953.

Don is survived by his wife of almost 66 years, Barbara; son, Dr. Jeff Nelson D.D.S. and his wife Jill of Owensville; grandchildren, Kendal Masterson (Seth) of Vincennes, Elijah Nelson and Jesse Nelson of Owensville, Ryan Mills (Ashley) of Canton, GA, Jordyn Tinsley (Dylan) of Tucker, GA, and Tristan Mills of Kennesaw, GA; great grandsons, Dawson and Hunter Mills; nieces, Jeanne Stevens (John) of Indianapolis, Kim Miller (Larry) of Princeton; nephew, Gary Nelson (Sue) of Indianapolis.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jamie (Nelson) Mills; and brothers, Charles William and Fred Nelson.  

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 3, 2021 at the Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton, with Pastor Kevin Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in the Walnut Hill Cemetery near Ft. Branch. Visitation will be from 12 until 2 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Military graveside services will be provided by the Retired Military Veterans.

Due to COVID-19 state mandated regulations attendance at the visitation and services will be limited. Social distancing and masks will be required. The services will be streamed live from the Colvin Funeral Homes Facebook Page, so you may view them from your vehicle or your home.

Pallbearers will be Elijah and Jesse Nelson, Seth Masterson, John Stevens, Larry Miller, and George Pickersgill.

Condolences may be expressed or you may light a candle in memory of Don at www.colvinfuneralhome.com  The Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve Don’s family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald D. Nelson, please visit our floral store.