Cover photo for Donald Eugene Nelson's Obituary

Donald Eugene Nelson

March 28, 1940 — February 12, 2022

Las Vegas, Nevada

Donald Eugene Nelson

Donald Eugene Nelson of Las Vegas, Nevada was born on March 28th, 1940 in Decorah, Iowa to Leroy H. Nelson and Elaine Nelson. He was the second of three children. Don passed away at home under hospice care after leaving the VA Hospital ICU. He struggled with advancing Parkinson's Disease over the last 5 years. His loving sons, Eugene and Nicholas put their lives on "hold" over the last 3 years to provide full-time, around the clock, live in care for their disabled father. They did not want him alone in a nursing home. Don served his country proudly in the US Marine Corp. After leaving the Corp, Don moved to Las Vegas, where he trained to become a building inspector for the City of Las Vegas. Don was a thrifty individual, saving his money to speculate on raw desert land. After his retirement from the city, he purchased raw desert land all over the valley. He, along with his partner and buddy, Shawn Lampman, loved "making deals" on land parcels. It truly was his joy. Don eventually sold the Craig Ranch Golf Course, where he lived to the City of North Las Vegas for the current regional park. Selling off some raw land to developers in the Centennial Hills area, there is now Donald Nelson Avenue in his honor. Don lived a long enjoyable life, loved Las Vegas and Boulder City. He traveled through Eastern Europe several times and only suffered debilitating health issues over the last 5 years.  He passed away at home, surrounded by loving family.

He is survived by his 2 sons, Eugene and Nicholas Nelson and their mother Claudia Vaida, as well as a son, Mitchell Shipek from a previous early relationship, and a younger sister, Gloria Beall and brother in law Darron Beall and niece Jodie Beall of Sequim, Washington. Don is predeceased by his mother and father, Leroy H. Nelson and Elaine Nelson Greene. Along with his brother, James Leroy Nelson.

Don will be buried with honors in the National Veterans Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada. A "Graveside Service" will send off this Marine to his next assignment.
All are welcome to attend if you wish.

Semper- Fi Marine

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Past Services

Graveside Service

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Starts at 10:40 am (Pacific time)

Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery

1900 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV 89005

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