Feb. 27,1947 Oct. 15, 2023
Douglas “Wayne” Nelson (Paw Paw), age 76, passed away Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents Clyde V. Nelson and Emily I. Waters, and his brother, Leonard Nelson.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years Marie E. Nelson of Natchitoches; his daughters and their spouses, Angela R. Nelson of Natchitoches, Emily N. Vallee (husband Travis) of Pineville, and Dawn N. Thomisee (husband Chad) of Winnfield; six grandchildren Payton McMurray (husband Daniel) of Winnsboro, Logan Vallee of Pineville, Ashley Thomisee (fiancé Joshua McManus) of Winnfield, Maegan Vallee of Pineville, Kinley Nelson (fiancé Allen Dupree) of Provencal, and Landon Vallee of Pineville; step-grandchild Aaron Conlay (wife Mackenzie) of Leesville; great-grandchild Cornelia McMurray and step great-grandchildren Levi, Caleb, and Josiah Conlay, and Heath and Weston McMurray; siblings Wilma Stephens, Billy Erwin, James Nelson and Gay Fredrick (husband Dan), as well as many nieces and nephews.
Wayne was a resident of Natchitoches Parish. He was born in Robeline, LA on Feb. 27, 1947. He graduated from Natchitoches High School in 1966. After graduation he joined the United States Air Force and attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX.
During his 20 years of service to our country he was an Intelligence Operations and Targeting Superintendent, Intelligence Operations Technician and an Aeromedical Specialist.
His military education included OJT trainer course, Senior NCO Academy, Sac NCO Academy, USAF NCO Leadership school and Survival training.
His many decorations, badges and medals include the Air Force commendation medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with six oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service award ribbon with four oak leaf clusters, NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon with one oak leaf cluster, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Continuous Active Military Service.
After Receiving an honorable discharge for retirement, he moved back to Natchitoches Parish. He was also a retiree from the United States Postal Service.
Wayne was a past commander of the J.C. Keyser Post, VFW 1962, a member of the Gordon Peters American Legion, Post 10, and a member of Natchitoches Parish Veterans and Memorial Park Committee. He enjoyed hunting, woodworking, gardening, and reading.
He was happiest when he was surrounded by family and friends. He was proud of his grandchildren and always enjoyed attending their school baseball, football, basketball, and softball games, cheerleading, dance recitals (and there was a lot), award ceremonies, and graduations.
He was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather. He touched the lives of so many and he will be greatly missed. Fly High Wayne-We love you.
The funeral service was held at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home on Thursday, Oct. 19.
Visitation was from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18, and again on the 19th from 9 to 11 a.m. with the funeral service at 11 a.m. A procession to Memory Lawn Cemetery followed. Lori Spangler was the officiant.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers included Chad Thomisee, Travis Vallee, Dana Naquin, Steven McAlister, Logan Vallee and Landon Vallee.
Honorary pallbearers included Alexander Quinn, Dan Fredrick, and Thomas McAlister.