Darrell L. Nelson

Darrell Nelson, 76, of Creston, Iowa passed away Thursday, May 22, 2025 at Accura Healthcare of Creston. Funeral Services will be 2:00 PM, Friday, May 30, 2025 at the Lorimor Church of God. Pastor Ben Turner will officiate. Family will receive friends from 1-2 PM, prior to the service. Darrell will be laid to rest, next to his sister Marilyn, in the Lorimor Cemetery. A luncheon will be held following the burial at the church. Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the Madison County Association for Special People. Condolences can be shared online at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.

Darrell Lee Nelson was born in Osceola, Iowa on December 11, 1948, the son of Boyd Handley and Maurine (McKinney) Nelson. Darrell was born with numerous handicaps and lived at home several years. Darrell attended Lorimor School thru the 2nd grade and due to his handicaps, he was transferred to Creston where he continued his education. Darrell graduated from the Glenwood State Hospital School with special training in operating commercial laundry machines in the late 1960’s. He then worked at the Woodward State Hospital School in the Laundry Department. Darrell had a beautiful singing voice and he sang the Ferlin Husky song “On The Wings of A Dove” at his graduation. During his life, Darrell always has enjoyed singing, was a hard worker, helped with the mowing and picking up the hay bales and was always eager to help. He participated in the Special Olympics for many years.

Darrell moved to the Horton County Home in Madison County beginning in 1982, where he lived with his sister, Marilyn who was also handicapped and preceded Darrell in death in December 2024. The Horton County Home later closed and both Darrell and Marilyn lived in various group homes in the area. Darrell worked for Innovative Industries in Winterset and in Creston, retiring in 2013. Darrell attended the Winterset Presbyterian Church and sang in the choir. Darrell loved dancing, everything John Wayne and was an avid Western movie watcher. Darrell was a very social person who had a great memory and loved to make people laugh. He was sincerely appreciative of the cooks who prepared his meals for him. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Preceding Darrell in death was his parents; his sister, Marilyn Nelson; his uncle, Paul McKinney; 2 aunts: LaDene Brown and Letha Noehren; along with 2 nieces: Shannon Billheimer and Vicki Decker.

Darrell is survived by 3 loving sisters: Sandi (Wayne) Tucker of Lorimor, Iowa; Doris (Bobby) Jackson of Lorimor, Iowa and Norma (David) Decker of Adair, Iowa; and by many nieces, nephews and other relatives.