Donald Vernon Nelson, 83, of Greentop, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, Missouri.

The son of Vernon and Marjorie (Bird) Nelson, Don was born on April 19, 1935 in Williams, Iowa.

He is survived by two brothers, Dwayne Nelson and wife Lura of Greentop and Kenneth Nelson of Ankeny, Iowa; one sister, Joan Traub of West Bend, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents.

He graduated from West Bend High School. Don enlisted in the United States Army in 1952, during the Korean Conflict. He served as company clerk and had an honorable, medical discharge in 1954. Don, then, returned to West Bend to farm and be a share cropper. In 1972, he moved with his folks to the Willmathsville, Missouri, community to make his home.

Don loved to go dancing. He also volunteered his time to the VFW post 2508, Kirksville Salvation Army, and Schuyler County Food Bank. Don was a 60 year member of the American Legion Post 0151. He was a member and past board member of the Trinity Church. Don always said, "This world is not my home; I'm just passing through." And, he was very proud to say, "I'm still property of the U.S. Government."

A memorial service with military honors will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at the Trinity Church east of Greentop (11612 Trinity Way, Greentop, MO), with Glenna Taylor officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be the VFW Post 2508, the Trinity Church members and Gary Blurton.

Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, Missouri.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Don Nelson may be made to the Willmathsville Cemetery or Trinity Church and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.