Coach Don Nelson

Donald Edward Nelson, son of Leon Nelson and Faye (Henry) Nelson Howard, was born July 10, 1954 in Baumholder, Germany. He departed this life June 4, 2009 as the result of a motorcycle/pick-up accident on Old Rt. 66 West, St. Robert, Missouri, having attained the age of 54 years, 10 months and 25 days. When Don was an infant, his father got stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood and it was here that the family made their home. Don was a 1972 graduate of Waynesville High School, and later received his Bachelor’s degree in Education from Central Missouri University in Warrensburg. In 1982, he completed his Master’s degree with a secondary in guidance and counseling also from CMU. Don went to work in the Waynesville School District in 1977. During his 22 year career, he taught at Waynesville Junior High, Partridge Elementary, Wood Middle School, Williams Elementary, Waynesville High School and was currently at Freedom Elementary school. In addition to teaching physical education, Don was a guidance counselor at both the middle and high schools. He served as WHS Head Baseball Coach and also coached volleyball, track and wrestling. In 2007, Don had the distinction of being invited to attend the State Championship Coaches Alumni Association where he was presented with the Outstanding Coach Award. Don was also one of the voices heard on KFBD/KJPW Radio. He and his friend, Marv Leuten covered both Waynesville High School baseball and football games. Don loved everything about the outdoors. He was an avid sportsman; hunting, fishing, softball, golf, swimming, river events and motorcycle riding. He was a member of the Richland Masonic Lodge #385 AF & AM, Pulaski County/Ft. Wood Shrine Club, and the Shrine Club Motor Corps, Abou Ben Adhem, Springfield, Scottish Rite, Joplin, Freedom of the Road Riders, Local 28, and the Missouri State Teacher’s Association. Coach Nelson’s family, friends, students and co-workers will miss him greatly. He is survived by his mother: Faye Howard and father: Leon Nelson both of Waynesville; two children: Kenneth Nelson of Waynesville and Stacey Cruz (SGT Amos) of San Clemente, California; four siblings: Gene Nelson (Mary) and Cheryl Nelson (Tom Brougham) all of Kansas City, Kansas and Jerry Nelson (Barbara) and Yvonna Bays (Dennis) all of Waynesville; grandson: Jaden Cruz and expecting baby Cruz; six nephews, four nieces, an uncle: John T. Henry (Virginia) of Dothan, Alabama, cousins, special friends: Marv and Terri Leuten of Laquey, other relatives and friends. Don was preceded in death by a niece: Allise and his step-father: Joseph Howard. Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 10, 2009 in the Parker Fine Arts Auditorium of Waynesville, Missouri with Doug Cage officiating. The songs “Everlasting God”, “Shall We Gather at the River” and “Drift Away” were played. Serving as escorts were John Wosoba, Kenny Merrill, Terry Roberson, Charles Conley, Dave Preble, Wess Ellzey, Don Vaughn, Brian Nelson, Jim Warren, SGT Amos Cruz, Chris Cross, Joe Nelson, Lynn Bays, Eric Bays, Marv Leuten and Richard Teague. Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Don Nelson to the Don Nelson Scholarship Fund and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory or the Security Bank of Pulaski County.

Coach Don Nelson

July 10, 1954 - June 4, 2009