Edward passed away early Friday morning at Harrison Medical Center. Ed is survived by his wife, Doris Gerber Nelson (Silverdale, WA), two children: Ray Nelson (Phoenix, AZ) and Mark Nelson (Atlanta, GA). He also leaves behind one granddaughter, Courtney Winkler (Dallas, TX). Ed is a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he earned several medals, including the Bronze Star. He grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, the only son of Edward and Dorothy Nelson.
As a young boy at the age of 15 Ed enlisted in the US Army. After leaving the US Army he went into the ministry, becoming an officer in the Salvation Army. After leaving the Salvation Army he enlisted in the US Navy where he spent his career as a journalist, reaching the rank of E9, Master Chief. After retiring from the Navy, he received his master’s degree in Social Work and had a second career as a social worker. Ed worked for both private and agencies and the federal government, as a social worker, until his retirement.
Services will be held Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 2pm at Crista Senior Living. He will be interred at Tahoma National Cemetery.