Milton "Larry" Barnes Nelson II

Milton “Larry” Barnes Nelson

July 12, 1959 – September 16, 2026

Milton Barnes Nelson, affectionately known as Larry, was born on July 12, 1957, in Orlando, Florida and on September 16, 2026, Milton went home to be with God.

Milton was raised in Orlando by his parents and, for much of his childhood, his grandmother, helped care for him while his parents worked. He graduated from high school and attended college for a short time before serving his country in the Army. During his life, Milton spent time in Hawaii, where he helped raise and care for family, lived a short time in the Tacoma area, and eventually made his way to Spokane, where he settled and he began building relationships and memories with those around him.

Larry was a man who loved people deeply. One of his greatest joys was cooking for the people he loved. He enjoyed bringing people together, sharing food, having a drink, telling stories, and—most of all—making people laugh.

Music was another important part of Larry’s life. He was a DJ at Chan’s Dragon Inn for several years, where he shared his love of music with others. He even allowed his son and daughter to learn from him and experience the world of DJing alongside him. Larry also loved to sing karaoke. He had a voice that could stop a room, and sometimes people would beg him to sing just one more song.

Larry loved sports and was never shy about arguing about football. He proudly supported his hometown Miami and Tampa Bay teams and loved watching the games with family & friends. He had a special relationship with his son Milton when it came to football. Whenever Green Bay lost, Larry made sure to text his son Milton to check on him and make sure he was “okay”.

Above everything, Larry valued connection. He loved being surrounded by people who loved him. He had a way of making people smile and laugh, sometimes simply by sitting down, having a drink, and starting a conversation. His love could be deep and fierce, even when he struggled to communicate exactly what was in his heart.

Larry’s relationships with his children were important to him. He wanted to continue growing closer to all of them, even when communication and life made that difficult. In his final chapter, he was working with his oldest son, Milton, to repair and strengthen their relationship. Larry even asked Milton to join him in therapy so they could work on communicating better and healing together.

Their relationship was still a work in progress, but the love between father and son remained.

The last words shared between Larry and his oldest son Milton were:

“We will get through this, and I love you.”

Those words will forever carry the love, hope, and unfinished journey between a father and his son.

Larry leaves behind his 3 children, son Milton Nelson Jr. III, daughters Domonique T. Trevino, Mia Lemery-Nelson. He was blessed with his infant son Jordon Javon Lemery-Nelson (March 16, 2005- June 24, 2005) whom blessed this world for only a short time and passed away, Larry has the comfort of being reunited with his son in heaven.

He is survived by Heather Lemery ( mother of Mia and Jordan), and Arlene, his longtime partner, with whom he shared many years of life and family. Although Larry and Arlene never had children together, they helped raise their children together during their time as a family.

Larry was preceded in death by Mary, his former wife and mother of eldest son Milton, Juanita M. Trevino, mother of Domonique T. Trevino and Milton Nelson Jr. III, beloved son Jordon Javon Lemery-Nelson whom he shared with Heather Lemery.

We all find comfort knowing that those who went before him are waiting to welcome Larry home.

Larry may have had his struggles, his imperfections, and moments when expressing his love was difficult. But beneath it all was a man who loved his family, loved his friends, loved music, loved food, loved football, and loved making people laugh.

His life touched many people in different ways.

Milton “Larry” Barnes Nelson will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

Until we meet again, Dad.

Rest peacefully.

We love you.