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Dr. Earl Lynn Nelson

1942 - 2018

BORN

1942

DIED

2018

About

Tulane University University of Louisville

Earl Nelson Obituary

Dr. Earl Lynn Nelson passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his wife and children on August 23, 2018. He was 76 years old. Earl Lynn is survived by his wife, Ann Robinette Nelson; children, Samantha Lynn Nelson, Sean Coleman Nelson and Shannon Nelson Trahan; his son in law, Aaron Trahan; grandchildren, Sofia Elizabeth and Alexander Thomas; and the others he loved as his own. Earl Lynn will be joining his parents, Charline Coleman Nelson and William Earl Nelson, along with family and friends excited to welcome him to heaven. Earl Lynn Nelson was born on March 8,1942 in Pike County Kentucky. He was a graduate of Pikeville High School, the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky Medical School. He served his country in Vietnam, started his family in New Orleans with Antoinette DiPiazza and was proud to call the "Big Easy" home. Dr. Nelson taught medical students at Tulane University about the profession he adored and "fixed" eyes like no other. His love for family was fierce and he fathered other's children in need like blood. Earl treated strangers like family and made sure all he engaged felt special. Dr. Earl Lynn Nelson's unmistakable zest for life was apparent by every person who crossed his path. We will honor his spirit at a memorial service to be scheduled upon the return of his ashes from medical research in Huntington, West Virginia. The family will also plan a gathering to celebrate his life in March of 2019 during Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Earl Lynn Nelson "Earl, Easy, Doc, Daddy, Daddy Pa" loved bigger than any other and will be missed like crazy!

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

Published by The Times-Picayune from Sep. 7 to Sep. 12, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Earl Nelson

18 Entries

John McCabe MD

September 1, 2025

He and I did pre Viet Nam training together at Camp Geiger (Lejeune) and became close friends. I will not forget him. An unusual individual.

Kay and Edward Stahel

January 12, 2022

Earl of magnificent personality. Unique and deeply human . Big Earl lacking self doubt , unfailingly generous and kind paired us 35 years ago . He gave hope where others saw despair and will always be missed .

..... home is the sailor home from the sea

and the hunter home from the hill....
[RLS]

your friends ,
K and E [EFS]

John McCabe MD

August 30, 2021

I knew him well from Camp Lejeune NC prior to a tour in Viet Nam. He was a colorful man who I will never forget. We enjoyed each other´s company and I will not forget him. I came to know his wife after both of us returned from Viet Nam and wish her the condolence she deserves. J McCabe MD

November 12, 2019

Mike and Judith McGinnis were patients of Dr Nelson and we just loved him to death. He also operated on our Grandchild (her eye). She is now 40 years old .He operated on her I think before she was 1. A doctor complimented a year ago and said he did a wonderful job. He was handsome and fun to be with. So sorry to hear about his passing. Hard for me to believe. RIP Earl

Emery Wilson

September 25, 2018

Anne, I am Emery Wilson, a classmate of Easy's at UKCOM. I was also the dean of the medical school. I was trying to obtain contact information to notify him of our 50th reunion next month and just learned of his passing. My sympathy to you and your family. He will be missed, but he was bigger than life and he will live on in our hearts and minds.

Emery Wilson

Sandra Georgusis

September 13, 2018

I was a patient of Dr. Earl for years , in NOLA. I never had another eye Dr. as good as he. I was sorry when he left and even sorrier to hear of his passing. I speak of him often. A great Dr. and a great man. Condolences to his family. He will never be replaced. I feel the loss too.

September 11, 2018

You will be missed so many lives you touched your memories will last forever.

Lucy Burke

September 11, 2018

When I saw the obituary I was so saddened
to learn Earl passed. He was such a dear friend of my husband James Edgar Burke and I who passed on August 10th, 2014.
You will certainly be missed, but I hope you and Ed will meet again in heaven and those great times you both had.

with much Love from Lucy, Jeb and Kate Burke

Kim coker

September 10, 2018

We will be praying for his family.Dr Earl was always very kind and compassionate whenever I saw him.love and prayers to all.

September 10, 2018

May you take comfort in the fact that god will make you firm and he will make you strong in your time of sorrow

The Lewis Family

September 10, 2018

Our deepest condolences to the family. The strength from God can sustain you through this difficult time. May your loving memories of the times you shared bring you a measure of comfort now and in the days ahead.

Shannon Nelson Trahan

September 9, 2018

Life without you will never be the same. We love you so much daddy. Hope your having the biggest party ever and enjoying your time. Give my love to all those with you that I love and care about. Love you daddy.

September 9, 2018

So, many, many, memories. People used to confuse us all the time.

Beverly and Johnny Sanders

September 9, 2018

Earl Lynn made a difference in this world.Prayers for his family. Sincerely,Beverly and Johnny Sanders Pikeville,KY

September 9, 2018

He will always be in my heart. So much enthusiasm for everything that came along. Loved his laugh. He was a big part of our life.

Kathy Pickens

September 9, 2018

Thoughts and prayers to all of you. His light will forever shine in your lives.
Much love,

September 8, 2018

Sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your beloved Doc. Please know that many others share your grief and pray God comforts your broken hearts and gives you peace in the days ahead when you think of him. May his legacy of love and generosity live on through each of you.

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