Obituary of Paul Dan Nelson Sr.

In Loving Memory - Paul Dan Nelson, Sr.

Paul Dan Nelson, Sr. (80) of Aurora, Oregon, passed peacefully on Monday, April 19, 2021 at 11:00 pm in his home with family by his side.  

Paul, born in Charleston, Arkansas on February 24, 1941 to Byron and Exie Nelson, lived his final days on the Aurora farm under the care of his wife, Sharon Elaine Nelson and family.  

Paul grew up in Arkansas and worked in the meatpacking industry as a truck driver.  In the early 70s, he relocated to Washington and worked as a logger in the timber industry, and finally resumed his career as a long haul truck driver after moving to Oregon in the mid-80s making deliveries all across the US.  An on-the-job injury in the early 90s would finally settle Paul on the farm tending to the animals as a form of his physical therapy.  Paul was a longtime active member of Butteville Community Church as trustee and over the years, enjoyed serving the church in many capacities. In 2013, Paul was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia which after eight years, eventually resulted in his passing.

Paul is also survived by his older sister, Ettie Noblitt of Vilonia, Arkansas, the only remaining of eight siblings; five sons, Paul "Dan" Nelson, Jr., Dale Lynn Nelson, James Van Nelson, Timothy Darin Nelson and Paul "Daniel" Nelson, two step-children, Debbie Lynn Bird and Daryl Wayne Riehl and their spouses.  Paul lovingly left behind a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren whom he enjoyed and loved dearly. 

Arrangements for cremation were made by Crown Memorial Center of Tualatin.  A Celebration of Life for Paul will be planned for the summer to be held on the family farm.