Earl E. Nelson

Punta Gorda, Florida

Earl E. Nelson, 79, of Punta Gorda, FL went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday November 1, 2016. He passed peacefully in his home.

Earl was born on August 29, 1937 in Emerson Arkansas to the late Clarance and Mary Nelson. He lived in Arkansas until the age of 16 when he began his bachelors program at Michigan State University. He started his career as a teacher in the Lansing school district. He then served 8 years in the Michigan Legislature as both a State Representative and Senator. He finished his career as the Director of Equity for the State Department of Education. He is also remembered as founder of the Earl Nelson Singers and a Lansing community advocate.

Earl was a strong man of God. As such, he carried a spirit of joy every day and was seldom ill. His family lovingly referred to him as jolly. Always ready with scripture to meet any need, he was the spiritual head of his family and leaves an amazing legacy of faith. He was ordained as a minister and started a home church (Oasis Ministry) after retiring to Florida.

In 1985 Earl married Josephine LaBelle and they were happily married for 31 years. Together they enjoyed visiting their children and grandchildren as well as extensive travel.

Earl leaves behind many beloved family members: his brothers, Tony Nelson, Herman Nelson, Charles (Cathy) LaBelle and Daniel (Barbara) LaBelle; his sisters, Maxine Smith, Jean Nelson and Abigail LaBelle; Daughters Sondra (Walter) Crosier, Deane Nelson, Laura Nelson, Morgan (Andre) Hutson, Toni (David) Thomas and Nicole (Matt) Gold; Six grandchildren - Cameron and Sydney Hutson, Kingston and Kennedy Thomas and Wiley and Ellie Gold; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, loved ones and many wonderful friends.

A memorial service celebrating Earl's life will be held on Sunday November 13th at 2pm with a visitation from 1-2 pm at the Hawk Hollow Chapel, 15101 Chandler Rd, Bath, MI 48808. In lieu of flowers, memorial bequests can be made to Heifer International, 1 World Ave, Little Rock, AK 72202. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Lansing Chapel.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal on Nov. 6, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Earl Nelson

Sponsored by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes.

12 Entries

Marc Durbin

November 14, 2016

I had Mr. Nelson as a teacher in 1962-3 at Otto Junior High School. He was a wonderful, dynamic man and a great teacher. Rest in peace brother. We will sing in the future.

Dr. MaryLee Davis

November 13, 2016

Dear Morgan ,
My heart and prayers go out to you and your entire family on this very sad occasion. We have lost a truly great man: a great Senator, Leader, Singer, Pastor, Friend, and in your case a GREAT father.
As you know, I adored your father and appreciated the wonderful ways he championed higher education in our state! He was always ready to listen and learn of the many ways Michigan State University was advancing the state and of the ways in which the legislature could help!
He was especially proud to be a member of, and champion for, many different legislative caucuses and causes and advocated passionately for them all...even the unofficial ones: like the "kitty caucus" which was composed of younger legislators (Lynn Jondahl, Debbie Stabenow, and Dave Hollister) and the "hillbilly caucus" including Billy Huffman and Bobby Crim who shared his southern roots!!!
He was admired and loved by so many. He truly made a difference and will be tremendously missed!

November 8, 2016

With deepest sympathy in the loss of a good friend we will surely miss him. sincerely Nilda Rodriguez and family

Jonathan Anderson

November 7, 2016

My family and I are grateful to the Lord that we had the opportunity to know Earl and Jo. They're together again in the presence of the Lord!- Pastors Jonathan and Kimberly Anderson, Exceeding Grace Christian Center, St. Petersburg,FL

November 7, 2016

Thank God for our dear Uncle Earl for his generosity and support of the ministry of his nephew, Michael H. Martin, late pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee and family.

Bonnie Jordan

November 7, 2016

Earl was such a great teacher and friend. I will miss his laughter. Blessings on his family.

Cassie Waterman

November 6, 2016

My prayers for peace and comfort go out to Mr. Nelson's family. He was my choir teacher at Otto Jr. High School. He always put spirit into his music and directing, God bless you all...........Cassie Waterman

Patricia DeGroat Young

November 6, 2016

Mr. Earl Nelson was one of the finest men I have ever known in my lifetime. He was a great inspiration to me when he was my choir teacher at Otto Middle School. He loved his students and we all loved him. He loved music and taught us all to love it as well. I shall NEVER forget him. Sincere condolences to his family. With deepest regards, Patricia DeGroat Young

Ana Luisa Cardona

November 6, 2016

I learned so much from Earl. Some of the most formative years of my career were working with him and Judy Martin and Joyce Seals and the King-Chavez-Parks Initiative. He was a fine gentleman who taught me to seize every moment of leadership while you have it for the better good. He did. He also led me to my final work at the state department in the arts when he came to me and said- the department is getting a lot of calls from the arts people. I know your background maybe you can fill in and who knows. I did. Thank you Earl for a life well-lived. You were and remain an inspiration.

Frank McClain

November 5, 2016

My heart goes out to Laura, Sondra, Dean, Morgan, & Toni. I will truly miss your Dad. He was such a giving man, and a loving father. Anyone who has ever met him knew they were in the presence of someone very special. "God" has always walked with him, and "God" is with him now. I was lucky enough to personally know his joy for family, and his tireless work helping others while serving in the state legislator. He will always be missed by me and many others.

Sue Larson

November 4, 2016

My sincere condolences to the entire Nelson family. I haven't seen Earl & Jo for 20 years, but we were next door neighbors on West Ottawa St. in Lansing for about 10 years. Earl was just the kindest man and sweetest neighbor you could ever imagine. He once held my hand through a family emergency and I'll never forget how calm he made me feel. I loved hearing him belt out gospel songs as he mowed his meticulous lawn and probably thought no one could hear. His voice was mesmerizing. God bless all of Earl's loved ones; it was obvious how much he loved all of you! Sue Larson (used to be Cormier), Eaton Rapids, MI

Chelsea Hare-West

November 4, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with Earl and all of his family. Toni/Morgan, I am so very sad for your loss. Your Dad'S legacy has been a very inspirational part of my life for the past 17 years as an active member of the Earl Nelson Singers. His mission was to perserve the Negro Spiritual, and that mission has blessed my soul and countless others. I love you both and I hope some of your fond memories give you some comfort during this difficult time. Hugs & love always, Chelsea Hare-West & family

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