John Harrison Nelson, 93 of Lexington Park, MD passed away on November 30, 2020 at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in Charlotte Hall, MD.
He was born on May 13, 1927 in Live Oak, FL to the late Otto and Virginia (Burke) Nelson.
After graduating high school, John attended the Merchant Marine Academy where he was able to travel and see the world. On June 2, 1949, John enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country until his Honorable Discharge on June 1, 1953. On the GI Bill, he received his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree from University of Florida, Gainesville, in June of 1960. After college, he was employed with the NASA Gemini program in St. Louis Missouri. In 1966, John moved to Southern Maryland, where he spent the remainder of his career as a skilled and dedicated Engineer for the Federal Government at Patuxent River Naval Air Station until his retirement in 1986.
On July 6, 2002, he married his beloved wife, Judith Ann Nelson at Trinity Episcopal Church in St. Mary’s City, MD. John was an avid reader and enjoyed listening to classical music and opera; he especially enjoyed poetry and studying the Bible. John stayed abreast of world events, where he often shared an empathy for any inequalities in society. He loved the Chesapeake Bay, spending many pleasurable hours sailing and fishing. John was an active member of the BPOE Lodge 2092, the Lions Club in Piney Point and the Patuxent River Power Squadron.
In addition to his wife, Judith, John is also survived by his stepchildren: Peggy Cupke of Perham, MN; Randal Flenniken of Sullivan, MO; Joan Harris of St. Leonard, MD; Jeff Schroeder of Duxbury, MA; and Jill Emerson of Lusby, MD, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his brother, James “Jimmy” Nelson, his first wife, Dorothy J. Nelson, and his stepson, John “Jack” Robbins.
A private Graveside Service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church Cemetery, 47414 Old State House Road, St. Mary’s City, MD 20686.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 47414 Old State House Rd, St. Mary’s City, MD 20686 or to the Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad, 46763 S. Shangri La Drive, Lexington Park, MD 20653.
Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.
