Donald W Nelson

Donald Woodbridge Nelson, 85, of Temple Texas, passed away in his sleep peacefully on Saturday, November 24 after a long battle with cancer.  The things he held dear in his heart were his love for his surviving spouse, Mary Anne; his three daughters, Holly, Heather, and Heidi; his five grandchildren, Carol, Nancy, Dorothy, James, and Elizabeth; and his love of his community.  Serving faithfully for many decades at Scott and White Hospital in public relations, he was an avid supporter and board member of many community organizations, including helping to found and support the Temple Symphony Orchestra. 

Born in Putnam, CT in 1933, to Freeman and Dorothy Nelson, Donald graduated from The Pomfret School, Tufts University, and got his master’s in marketing from Boston University.  He married Carol Wade, had three daughters, and proudly restored a 300-year-old house in Providence.  Because he loved history, Donald was deeply involved with the Rhode Island Historical Society and the Preservation Society of Newport County.  While in Providence, he worked at Old Stone Bank.

Donald married Mary Anne Lorentzen after Carol died, and the family moved to Columbus, Ohio where he worked for Bank of Ohio and was awarded Man of the Year for his civic contributions before coming to Temple in 1981.

Donald is survived by his wife, his three daughters, and his younger brother, Peter (preceded in death by his older brother, Richard).  Services will be held at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home on November 29 at 3:30 pm.  In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Temple Symphony Orchestra.