Donald Nelson

Donald H. Nelson, age 91, of Beverly Hills and formerly of Austin, MN, died Monday, September 15, 2008 at William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak. He was born May 10, 1917 in Austin. Mr. Nelson graduated from Lawrence Technological University after designing tanks during World War II in Paterson, NJ. He then worked for General Motors for a short time before going on to a 44-year career with Chrysler Automotive as a mechanical/manufacturing engineer. After retirement, he served as a consultant at several prominent engineering firms. He then became a professor at his alma mater, Lawrence Technological University, while he wrote his textbook on manufacturing engineering. Throughout most of his adult life he served as a dedicated board member of the Royal Oak YMCA, where he was instrumental in building the gymnasium as well as fundraising. He also attended St. James Episcopal Church in Birmingham. During his life, Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who loved the outdoors. He spent many happy days with his family enjoying nature. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues. He is survived by his children, Donna LaMar of Shelby, James Nelson of Troy and Carter Nelson of Wilkes-Barre, PA; sister-in-law, Beryl Nelson; grandchildren, Laura Steve Paredes LaMar and Don LaMar; and great grandchildren, Isaiah and Athena LaMar. He was preceded in death by his wife, Athena Antonopolis Nelson, on January 9, 2002. The couple were married on October 26, 1940 in Detroit; parents, Nels and Florence Nelson; and brothers, Jack and David Nelson. Visitation Friday 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and service Saturday 11 a.m. at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W 11 Mile Rd. 4 blks. E of Woodward, Royal Oak. Burial at Acacia Park Cemetery, Beverly Hills. Memorials to the South Oakland YMCA appreciated. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.