Darrell Nelson obituary: Darrell Nelson's Obituary, Dove Topeka
In Memory Of
Darrell Nelson
1938 - 2016
In Memory Of
Darrell Nelson
1938 - 2016
Darrell Nelson, 78, of Topeka, peacefully entered into eternal life Friday, September 16, 2016.
He was born on February 24, 1938 at the family homestead in rural Clay County. He was the 11th of 18 children born to Elwin Peter and Gladys (Bloom) Nelson.
He graduated from Clifton High School in 1956 and the University of Kansas in 1966.
Family was the focus of Darrell’s life. Growing up with so many siblings around Clifton Kansas was a unique experience that Darrell treasured. He would tell anyone he met, “my mother gave birth to 18 children” and loved to share funny stories of Nelson adventures. His brothers and sisters share a life-long bond and spend time with one another whenever possible.
On December 22, 1963 he married Cheryl Vuncannon and they were married for 22 years before divorcing in 1985. However, they continued a special and supportive friendship until the very end.
He was the proud father of Darla Nelson-Metzger and Randall Nelson and grandfather of beloved grandchildren, Carter, Connor, Cayden, Camryn, and Quinlyn Metzger. He spent numerous days taking them to the Gage Park playground and the Topeka Zoo, on hiking trips on the trails of the Governor’s Mansion, attending soccer games, and just being there whenever he was needed.
Darrell was an avid Jayhawk and Royals fan, enjoyed gardening, and long walks. With grit and determination, he fought and won the battle with cancer 12 times in the past 19 years, often going for 5 mile walks after chemotherapy.
Darrell is survived by his daughter, Darla; son-in-law, Charles; grandchildren, Carter, Connor, Cayden, Camryn, and Quinlyn; brothers, Marlin and Larry (Ingrid); sisters, Delores Norton, Mona Lee Patrick (Blaine), Twila Reed (Don), Shirley Hamm, Sue Smith (Larry), and Sharon Kenney; and a half brother, Robin. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Randy; brothers, Dwight, Ron, Merrill, Carroll Rae, and Wendell; and sisters, Vivian Samford and Diane Kelley.
Family and friends will gather for a celebration of Darrell’s life at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 22 at Penwell Gabel Cemetery in Topeka. In honor of Darrell's love for the Jayhawks, please wear KU or red and blue apparel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels of Shawnee and Jefferson counties.
To leave a special message for the family, click on the "Share Memories" button at the top of this page.
He was born on February 24, 1938 at the family homestead in rural Clay County. He was the 11th of 18 children born to Elwin Peter and Gladys (Bloom) Nelson.
He graduated from Clifton High School in 1956 and the University of Kansas in 1966.
Family was the focus of Darrell’s life. Growing up with so many siblings around Clifton Kansas was a unique experience that Darrell treasured. He would tell anyone he met, “my mother gave birth to 18 children” and loved to share funny stories of Nelson adventures. His brothers and sisters share a life-long bond and spend time with one another whenever possible.
On December 22, 1963 he married Cheryl Vuncannon and they were married for 22 years before divorcing in 1985. However, they continued a special and supportive friendship until the very end.
He was the proud father of Darla Nelson-Metzger and Randall Nelson and grandfather of beloved grandchildren, Carter, Connor, Cayden, Camryn, and Quinlyn Metzger. He spent numerous days taking them to the Gage Park playground and the Topeka Zoo, on hiking trips on the trails of the Governor’s Mansion, attending soccer games, and just being there whenever he was needed.
Darrell was an avid Jayhawk and Royals fan, enjoyed gardening, and long walks. With grit and determination, he fought and won the battle with cancer 12 times in the past 19 years, often going for 5 mile walks after chemotherapy.
Darrell is survived by his daughter, Darla; son-in-law, Charles; grandchildren, Carter, Connor, Cayden, Camryn, and Quinlyn; brothers, Marlin and Larry (Ingrid); sisters, Delores Norton, Mona Lee Patrick (Blaine), Twila Reed (Don), Shirley Hamm, Sue Smith (Larry), and Sharon Kenney; and a half brother, Robin. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Randy; brothers, Dwight, Ron, Merrill, Carroll Rae, and Wendell; and sisters, Vivian Samford and Diane Kelley.
Family and friends will gather for a celebration of Darrell’s life at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 22 at Penwell Gabel Cemetery in Topeka. In honor of Darrell's love for the Jayhawks, please wear KU or red and blue apparel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels of Shawnee and Jefferson counties.
To leave a special message for the family, click on the "Share Memories" button at the top of this page.
Darrell Nelson, 78, of Topeka, peacefully entered into eternal life Friday, September 16, 2016.
He was born on February 24, 1938 at the family homestead in rural Clay County. He was the 11th of 18 children born to Elwin Peter and Gladys (Bloom) Nelson.
He graduated from Clifton High School in 1956 and the University of Kansas in 1966.
Family was the focus of Darrell’s life. Growing up with so many siblings around Clifton Kansas was a unique experience that Darrell treasured. He would tell anyone he met, “my mother gave birth to 18 children” and loved to share funny stories of Nelson adventures. His brothers and sisters share a life-long bond and spend time with one another whenever possible.
On December 22, 1963 he married Cheryl Vuncannon and they were married for 22 years before divorcing in 1985. However, they continued a special and supportive friendship until the very end.
He was the proud father of Darla Nelson-Metzger and Randall Nelson and grandfather of beloved grandchildren, Carter, Connor, Cayden, Camryn, and Quinlyn Metzger. He spent numerous days taking them to the Gage Park playground and the Topeka Zoo, on hiking trips on the trails of the Governor’s Mansion, attending soccer games, and just being there whenever he was needed.
Darrell was an avid Jayhawk and Royals fan, enjoyed gardening, and long walks. With grit and determination, he fought and won the battle with cancer 12 times in the past 19 years, often going for 5 mile walks after chemotherapy.
Darrell is survived by his daughter, Darla; son-in-law, Charles; grandchildren, Carter, Connor, Cayden, Camryn, and Quinlyn; brothers, Marlin and Larry (Ingrid); sisters, Delores Norton, Mona Lee Patrick (Blaine), Twila Reed (Don), Shirley Hamm, Sue Smith (Larry), and Sharon Kenney; and a half brother, Robin. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Randy; brothers, Dwight, Ron, Merrill, Carroll Rae, and Wendell; and sisters, Vivian Samford and Diane Kelley.
Family and friends will gather for a celebration of Darrell’s life at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 22 at Penwell Gabel Cemetery in Topeka. In honor of Darrell's love for the Jayhawks, please wear KU or red and blue apparel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels of Shawnee and Jefferson counties.
To leave a special message for the family, click on the "Share Memories" button at the top of this page.
He was born on February 24, 1938 at the family homestead in rural Clay County. He was the 11th of 18 children born to Elwin Peter and Gladys (Bloom) Nelson.
He graduated from Clifton High School in 1956 and the University of Kansas in 1966.
Family was the focus of Darrell’s life. Growing up with so many siblings around Clifton Kansas was a unique experience that Darrell treasured. He would tell anyone he met, “my mother gave birth to 18 children” and loved to share funny stories of Nelson adventures. His brothers and sisters share a life-long bond and spend time with one another whenever possible.
On December 22, 1963 he married Cheryl Vuncannon and they were married for 22 years before divorcing in 1985. However, they continued a special and supportive friendship until the very end.
He was the proud father of Darla Nelson-Metzger and Randall Nelson and grandfather of beloved grandchildren, Carter, Connor, Cayden, Camryn, and Quinlyn Metzger. He spent numerous days taking them to the Gage Park playground and the Topeka Zoo, on hiking trips on the trails of the Governor’s Mansion, attending soccer games, and just being there whenever he was needed.
Darrell was an avid Jayhawk and Royals fan, enjoyed gardening, and long walks. With grit and determination, he fought and won the battle with cancer 12 times in the past 19 years, often going for 5 mile walks after chemotherapy.
Darrell is survived by his daughter, Darla; son-in-law, Charles; grandchildren, Carter, Connor, Cayden, Camryn, and Quinlyn; brothers, Marlin and Larry (Ingrid); sisters, Delores Norton, Mona Lee Patrick (Blaine), Twila Reed (Don), Shirley Hamm, Sue Smith (Larry), and Sharon Kenney; and a half brother, Robin. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Randy; brothers, Dwight, Ron, Merrill, Carroll Rae, and Wendell; and sisters, Vivian Samford and Diane Kelley.
Family and friends will gather for a celebration of Darrell’s life at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 22 at Penwell Gabel Cemetery in Topeka. In honor of Darrell's love for the Jayhawks, please wear KU or red and blue apparel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels of Shawnee and Jefferson counties.
To leave a special message for the family, click on the "Share Memories" button at the top of this page.
Services & Gatherings
Graveside Service
Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 10:00am
Penwell Gabel Cemetery, 3616 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66606
Southeast Chapel (785-272-8844) is assisting the family
Southeast Chapel (785-272-8844) is assisting the family