Douglas Wayne Nelson

Douglas “Wayne” Nelson (Paw Paw), Age 76, passed away Sunday, October 15, 2023, surrounded by his
loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents Clyde V. Nelson and Emily I. Waters, and his
brother, Leonard Nelson. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Marie E. Nelson of Natchitoches, his
daughters and their spouses, Angela R. Nelson of Natchitoches, Emily N. Vallee (husband Travis) of
Pineville, and Dawn N. Thomisee (husband Chad) of Winnfield. Six grandchildren Payton McMurray
(husband Daniel) of Winnsboro, Logan Vallee of Pineville, Ashley Thomisee (fiancé Joshua McManus) of
Winnfield, Maegan Vallee of Pineville, Kinley Nelson (fiancé Allen Dupree) of Provencal, and Landon
Vallee of Pineville. Step-grandchild Aaron Conlay (wife Mackenzie) of Leesville. Great-Grandchild
Cornelia McMurray and Step Great-Grandchildren Levi, Caleb, and Josiah Conlay, and Heath and Weston
McMurray. Siblings Wilma Stephens, Billy Erwin, James Nelson, and Gay Fredrick (husband Dan). As well
as many nieces and nephews.

Wayne was a resident of Natchitoches Parish. He was born in Robeline, La on February 27, 1947. He
graduated from Natchitoches High School in 1966. After Graduation he Joined the United States Air
Force and attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. During his 20 years of
service to our country he was an Intelligence Operations and Targeting Superintendent, Intelligence
Operations Technician, and an Aeromedical Specialist. His military education included OJT trainer
course, Senior NCO Academy, Sac NCO Academy, USAF NCO Leadership school, and Survival training. His
many decorations, badges, and medals include the Air Force commendation medal with two oak leaf
clusters, Air Force outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with six oak leaf clusters,
National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service award ribbon with
four oak leaf clusters, NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon with one oak leaf cluster,
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of
Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Continuous Active Military Service. After Receiving an Honorable
Discharge for retirement, he moved back to Natchitoches parish. He was also a retiree from the United
States Postal Service.

Wayne was a past commander of the J.C. Keyser Post, VFW 1962, a member of the Gordon Peters
American Legion, Post 10, and a member of Natchitoches Parish Veterans and Memorial Park
Committee. He enjoyed hunting, woodworking, gardening, and reading. He was happiest when he was
surrounded by family and friends. He was proud of his grandchildren and always enjoyed attending
their school baseball, football, basketball, and softball games, cheerleading, dance recitals (and there
was a lot), award ceremonies, and graduations. He was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, and
Great-Grandfather. He touched the lives of so many and he will be greatly missed. Fly High Wayne- We
love you.

The funeral service will be held at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home, at 848 Keyser Ave. Natchitoches,
La, on Thursday, October 19, 2023, Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. On Wednesday, October
18, 2023 and again on the 19th from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM with the funeral service to begin at 11:00 AM. Procession
to Memory Lawn Cemetery to follow. Lori Spangler, officiant. Those honored to serve as pallbearers
include Chad Thomisee, Travis Vallee, Dana Naquin, Steven McAlister, Logan Vallee, Landon Vallee.
Honorary pallbearers include Alexander Quinn, Dan Fredrick, Thomas McAlister.