Allan Lee Nelson

Allan Lee Nelson, age 66, of Clayton, DE, passed away on Saturday, February 26, 2022, surrounded by his family. Allan was born in Eugene, Oregon on January 11, 1956, son of Lois M. Nelson and the late Lee H. Nelson. His love of carpentry, woodworking, and architecture led him to the University of Oregon where he met his wife Nancy in 1977. They married in 1978 and later moved to the east coast to be near family. Allan spent his career as a carpenter and craftsman working for himself and, most recently, for Delaware Technical Community College for the past nine years. Allan volunteered with the Delaware Riptide Swim Team since its beginnings in 1994. For over 27 years he served in many roles for the team – President, Vice President, Treasurer, website manager, starter, Hytek operator, and parent of three swimmers. Likewise, he volunteered with the Delmarva Swim Association summer swim league for many years, serving on the board as President, Vice President, website manager and Hytek operator. He was also active with the Gift of Life Donor Program, as he was a recipient of a double lung transplant three years ago. Allan loved being outside, hiking, camping, bicycling, and spending time with family and their dog Nala. He had a love of knowledge that earned him the nickname ‘factoid’. He always seemed to know a little bit about everything. He lived his life with kindness, service to others, thoughtfulness, and joy, making himself and others laugh with his dad wit. In addition to his mother, Allan is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 44 years, Nancy J. Nelson; daughter, Katie Brown (Sean) of Middletown, DE, Michael Nelson (Amanda) of Glen Burnie, MD, and Mark Nelson (Suzanne) of Middletown, DE; sisters, Janet Skinner and Carol Pilgrim; brother, David Nelson; and 6 grandchildren. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 E. Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a memorial service will be held at 11 am. Interment will be held privately. Allan was never comfortable in a suit and tie, so please feel free to dress casually. Any friends or family who are unable to attend the services for Allan may live stream the service by clicking here. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Allan’s memory to the Gift of Life Family House or the Gift of Life Donor Program, 401 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19123 or via their website by clicking here.

Allan Lee Nelson

January 11, 1956 - February 26, 2022