Dr. Laurnie Nelson

Dr. Laurnie W. Nelson, 75, of Mt. Vernon, IN, died at 8:00 PM, Sunday, November 9, 2008 at the VNA Charlier Hospice in Evansville, IN. Dr. Nelson was born May 4, 1933 in Ottumwa, IA; son of Fred and Selma (Anderson) Nelson.

He graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1951. He received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State College and later practiced Veterinary Medicine in Lancaster and St. Joseph, MO. He worked for the USDA in the Meat Inspection Division and was selected to attend Michigan State University where he completed his Masters and Ph.D. in Veterinary Pathology. He began his pathology career at the United States Public Health Service, Radiological Division and then joined Hazelton Laboratories in Virginia. Dr. Nelson joined Bristol Myers in 1968 and worked there until 1977, when he entered private practice at Nelson Pathology Services, Inc. He returned to Bristol Myers in 1982 and retired in 1988.
His passions were his family, golfing, gardening, fishing, and his farm in western Posey County.

Dr. Nelson is survived by his wife of 51years, Margaret Marshall.Also survived by:One daughter- Dr. Janet Gordon and her husband Dr. James Gordon of Chesapeake, VA; Five sons-Dr. David Nelson and his wife Dr. Kathy Nelson of Mt. Vernon,Dean Nelson and his wife Carol of Charleston, IL,Charles Nelson and his wife Kim of Santa Rosa, CA,
John Nelson and his wife Susan of Summerville, SC,Lt. Col. Tom Nelson, USMC and his wife Lisa of Chesapeake, VA,Twelve grandchildren- Jenna and Andrew Gordon and Matthew, Cecilia, Sarah, Laura, Eric, Alex, Lauren, Jacob, Joseph, and Grace Nelson,One sister-in-law, Laura Nelson of Ottumwa, IA,One brother-in-law, Gordon Cooper of Lake Suzy, FL, and
In-laws, Mark and Mary Marshall and Ray and Jean Marshall of Sikeston, MO.

He is preceded in death by one brother, Marvin Nelson and one sister, Marie Gordon.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 15, 2008 at Austin Funeral Home, 1330 East Fourth Street, Mt. Vernon, IN with Rev. Tom Heaton officiating. The family will receive visitors from 10:00 AM until service time on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to VNA Hospice, Mt. Vernon First United Methodist Church, or the charity of your choice.