Rayburn Nelson's Obituary
Rayburn H. Nelson, T/SGT, USMC (Ret)
Rayburn H. Nelson, age 86, of Rehoboth Beach, DE, formerly of Bethesda, MD, passed away on Saturday, April 22, at his home surrounded by his family.
Mr. Nelson was born in Powers Lake, ND, son of the late Ole and Inga (Anderson) Nelson. He grew up in Lake Wales, FL.
He was a World War II veteran, serving from 1937 to 1958, in the 1st and 3rd Marine divisions. He served primarily in the South Pacific where he received three battle stars and one Purple Heart. He was part of the Bikini Marine Detachment, Operation Crossroad, Task Force One, Bikini Atoll.
Mr. Nelson worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Washington, DC, as a postal equipment technician after his service in the military until his retirement in 1970. From 1970 to 1981, he was self-employed.
He enjoyed his 25-year retirment, sharing jokes with friends over coffee and completing his building projects at home. All he did for 58 years was in full partnership and love with his wife.
Mr. Nelson was a long-standing active member of the Rehoboth Beach Lions Club, Elks Club, American Legion, Beebe Hospital Auxilliary, and Veteran's of Foreign Wars, and took great satisfaction in supporting the American Cancer Society.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Edwin Nelson and David Nelson; and a sister, Norma Hanson.
He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend Madeline; four cherised daughters and three sons-in-law; Sally and Richard Jozwiak of Lewes; Jean Nelson of Falls Church, VA; Mary Anne and John Elia-Buttrick of Phoenix, AZ; and Susan Nelson and Walt Witkowski of Glendale, CA; four adored grandchildren: John Jozwiak and Heather Keane both of Frederick, MD and Logan Elia and Max Elia of Phoenix; six dearly-loved great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and good friends.
Friends may call from 6:30 to 8:30 PM Thursday, April 27 at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Adkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 28, 11:00am, at St. Edmond's Catholic Church, King Charles & Laurel Sts., Rehoboth Beach, DE. Burial to follow at Delaware Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE.
Contributions may be made to Tunnell Cancer Center, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE l9958, in memory of Rayburn H. Nelson, or to the charity of your choice.
On line condolences may be sent to: [email protected]
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