Retired Marine Corps Col. Neil Alfred Nelson, 82, died Feb. 6, 2012, at his daughter’s home in Melbourne.
He was born in New Orleans, La. and lived in Vero Beach for 35 years, coming from Parris Island, S.C.
He was a graduate of Stetson University and earned a master’s degree in business administration.
He served 26 years in the Marine Corps, retiring in 1977.
Following his Marine Corps service, he served as county administrator in Indian River County and later sold commercial real state with Alex MacWilliams’ Real Estate, Vero Beach.
He was a member of Christ Church, Vero Beach, and was a member of the church choir.
He also sang tenor in a barbershop quartet in Vero Beach.
He was a volunteer for the CareNet Pregnancy Center, Vero Beach.
Survivors include his sons, Neil Nelson Jr. of Durango, Colo., and Douglas Nelson of Vero Beach; daughters, Patricia Von Laufen of Melbourne and Cynthia Allgaier of Alexandria, La; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jane.
Memorial contributions may be made to the CareNet Pregnancy Center, 1503 24th St., Vero Beach, FL 32960.
A memorial service will be at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at Christ Church, Vero Beach, with the Rev. Creighton Evans officiating.
Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory.
A guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
