Don L. Nelson

Don L. Nelson, 100, Emporia, Kansas, passed away at his home on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Don was born June 5, 1925 in Hawarden, Iowa, the son of Roy Lewis and Lucille (Nolan) Nelson. Don married Imogene “” Seward June 17, 1950 in Masonville, Iowa. She passed away in Emporia, Kansas on February 22, 2014. Surviving him are Kirk (Sue) Nelson, Lincoln, Nebraska, Kim (Sherry) Nelson, Emporia, Kansas, Keith (Yvonne) Nelson, Edmond, Oklahoma, Kayla (Randy) Barta, Overland Park, Kansas, Kris (Allison) Nelson, Greeley, Colorado, and Kevin Nelson, Emporia, Kansas; grandchildren; Rob Nelson, Ryan Nelson, Jeremy Nelson, James Nelson, Brett Nelson, Brian Nelson, Tyler Nelson, Matthew Nelson, Eric Nelson, Laura Talkish, Mike & Mark Barta, Drew Nelson , Nick Nelson and Reagan Nelson, great-grandchildren; Kaia, Elsa, Alaina, Leif, Sonja, Brenden, Ardey, Gracen, Presley, Jonah, Thunder, Hunter, Noah, Creed, Zeke, Kynslee, Keaton, Collin, Adilynne, Mia, Grady, Brecken, Chace, Charlotte, Colton, Elijah, Jensen, Venna, Dean, Ollie, Cooper, and Genevieve.

Don graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He worked in Commercial Sales with Standard Oil Company over 35 years, beginning his career working with his father in Standard Oil before college graduation. Always a fearless entrepreneur, he had many projects in his lifetime including the development of river barge signal lights and later went on to co-found RedLine Trucking Company in Emporia, serving as Chairman. He remained active in the business well into his 80’s. He was a Boy Scout leader with his sons, enjoying many memorable high adventure trips over the years.

He was a 52 year member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Emporia. He served in the United States Navy in both World War II and the Korean Conflict and retired with the rank of Lieutenant from the Navy Reserves.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Emporia, Kansas on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. Father Colin Hageney, Celebrant. The Rosary will be recited Sunday evening at 6:00 P.M. at the church. The family will receive friends in the parish hall of the church from 6:30 until 8:00 P.M.

A memorial has been established for the Sacred Heart Cemetery with gifts sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, PO Box #175, Emporia, Kansas 66801