He was born in Dallas to Effie Loraine and Richard Nelson Sr. Graduated from Sunset High School in 1962, attended college at Texas A&M of Commerce and Arlington College, then was called to fight for his country in the Vietnam War. (Army 1965-1967).
He is survived by his wife Bea Lake-Nelson of 22 years, his older brother Richard (Dickie) Nelson Jr., his former wife Kathy-Sanford-Nelson, and their children, daughter Rhonda Lynn Nelson-Harvey and husband Donald Harvey of Weatherford, son Donald Edward Nelson Jr. and husband David Oleniczak-Nelson of Plano; step daughters Patricia Lake-Voyles of LaRue, and Kristina Lake-Bell and husband Alex Bell of Sachse; a combined total of 10 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.
