Earl Douglas Nelson

Earl was born to Earl C. and Mary (Cheney) Nelson, September 13, 1957, in Keene. Raised and educated locally, Earl was a member of the Keene High School Class of 1975. Earl would later earn his Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Mount Wachusett Community College.

Active in law enforcement for over 45 years, Earl took great pride in his role in several area communities serving as a police officer. Attending the 49th New Hampshire Police Academy, he began his career serving first as an officer with the City of Keene Police Department. Earl would continue to serve as Chief of Police for the towns of Chesterfield, Dublin, Marlborough, Roxbury, and Lyndeborough. Earl was also a retired Sergeant with the Cheshire County Sheriff’s Office. Most recently Earl was a Lieutenant with the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council and was Commandant of the Part-Time Police Academy. Earl was also a lifetime member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Active civically, Earl has served the Town of Marlborough, as a select board member since 2019, and served as the Town’s Emergency Management Director. Earl was also a member of the Keene Elks Lodge #927.

Earl deeply enjoyed the time he spent with his friends and family nearby. He was always known to tell a good story, whether it be around a campfire, sugaring, or while at breakfast. He will be deeply missed by the staff at Mama McDonough's where he regularly attended breakfast. Earl also enjoyed snowmobiling, and the Beatles.

Earl is survived by his brother David Nelson, of Keene; his nieces Erica Nelson, and Leslie Nelson; a nephew Mark R. Nelson; his cherished friends, who are like family; Mandy, Travis and Sophia Johnson; Stephanie Plante; Rich and Kesha Blanchard; Cristin Blanchard; Kelvin and Sheila Macie; Cindy Baldwin; Lorie Sabean; Gayla Tardie; Mike Gorecki; and Todd Shanks. Earl was predeceased by his parents, and his brother Mark Earl Nelson.

Family and friends are invited to call at the Monadnock Covenant Church, 90 Base Hill Rd. Keene, on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 4-8 p.m. Burial will be held privately by the family.

In lieu of flowers, Earl’s family asks those who wish, to make donations in Earl’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org , or Tunnels to Towers Foundation www.t2t.org .