Nelson Waldrop

Nelson Waldrop, age 81, father, husband, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026. Born Nov 26, 1944, in Columbus, OH to Elizabeth Jean Higgins and Leo C. “Pat” Waldrop.

Nelson grew up in Buckeye Lake & Van Wert, Ohio. He later joined the U.S. Army at 17, serving more than 20 years, where he would meet his future wife Hildegard (Gutsche) Waldrop (2008 passing) in Schweinfurt Germany and started a family. Soon after Nelson would be sent to Korea near the 38th parallel, and next to Vietnam. A year and a half into the Vietnam War, he was medevac’d and sent back state side, where he would continue his service spending time in Ft. Lewis Washington, Ft. Knox Kentucky, Schofield Barracks Hawaii, Fort Riley Kansas, Fort Irwin, California. Nelson earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/3 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm, Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (1). Upon retiring from the U.S. Army, Nelson would continue to serve for over 20 years at the Veterans Service Center (Franklin County) with his last assignment as Assistant Director. After retirement he spoke often of his pride of serving his country and would spend time traveling the World.

Survived by his children and their family, Lonnie (Rita) Waldrop, Nicholas, Lauren & Abby, Carmen (Tom) Foley, Garrett & Lily, Second wife Sandy Waldrop, brothers Steve Waldrop, Donnie Waldrop, Donald Wayne Waldrop and Larry Waldrop. Preceded in death by his wife of 43 years Hildegard Gutsche Waldrop of Ermsleben, Germany. Brothers Gene, Leon, Billie Joe, Lowell, Bobby, Mark and Sister Frances.

We are grateful for the genuine care he received from the Team at Paramount Senior Living, as well as Capital City Hospice.

A funeral celebrating Nelson’s Life will be held at 12pm Saturday 17, 2026 at Schoedinger Worthington. The family will receive friends from 10:00am until the start of the service. A private entombment will take place at Kingwood Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Foundation.