Carl William Nelson

Born on July 9, 1942, to Carl August Nelson and Rosa Belle Hinkle Nelson, Carl William Nelson passed away on December 5, 2017. Survivors include Pat Tanner Nelson (wife of 52 years), Chad W. Nelson (son) and Candace Nelson Skinner (sister). Additional survivors include Hinkle and Nelson cousins, Tanner and Rice aunts and uncles (and children), and siblings-in-law Beccy Tanner and Jim & Diane Tanner, and nephews and nieces: Ty & Rose (Red and Levi), Mariah and Cole (Charlotte & Jasper), Richard & Michelle (Daisha & Mya), John & Kelly (Clayton), Jacob & Bethany (Aspen & Sasha), and Hope & Tom (Tanner, Cooper & Parker). Carl grew up on a Culver, Kansas family farm and graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Intellectual History. Commissioned as an officer in ROTC, Carl served at the Arlington Heights Army Air Defense Site. His positive experiences in military management systems shaped his future. Carl completed his Ph.D. in Political Science, focusing on Organizational Behavior and Management. He taught Public Management at CUNY’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice and at Temple University. He then joined the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth & Their Families as a Performance Improvement Evaluation and Management Analyst. Carl greatly enjoyed music “ singing in Newark’s First Presbyterian choir for over 25 years and regularly participating in community choruses. Throughout his life, Carl followed national politics closely. He applied his musical and political creativity to writing lyrics for A Place Called Hope. In retirement, he wrote the Moderate’s Manifesto stressing the importance of finding common ground when extreme and opposing positions dominate political dialogue. His creativity extended to the kitchen; Carl’s carrot cakes graced tables for family, church and work gatherings. His family wishes to thank Dr. Misleh’s terrific team at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center (who cared for Carl for more than 3 years), the Christiana Care & Fox Visiting Nurses and Physical Therapists, Delaware Hospice, UD’s Lori’s Hands, and the First Presbyterian Church Pastors, Boards and Members. In his memory, consider contributing to any of these organizations: Newark’s First Presbyterian Church Music Program, UD’s Lori’s Hands, the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and/or Delaware Hospice. A Celebration of Carl’s Life is scheduled for January 6 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 292 W Main St, Newark, DE 19711.

Carl William Nelson

July 9, 1942 - December 5, 2017