Donald Sell Nelson M.D.

Donald Sell Nelson, M.D.
Donald Sell Nelson, M.D., who was always "supa!", passed away on Christmas day of pancreatic cancer.

He was born on April 21, 1925 in Madison, Wis. to Elmer Martin and Mariana Sell Nelson. His family moved to Washington D.C. where his father, a biochemist, worked with the Food and Drug Administration to establish minimum daily requirements for vitamins and minerals. His mother also worked with the Food and Drug Administration and the Library of Congress.

During Don's senior year of high school, the Navy recognized Don's aptitude for chemistry and sent him to Columbia University for undergraduate work. While there, he was engaged in the development of the bazooka. During this period he enlisted in the Navy. At the age of 19, Don contracted polio and was sent to Warm Springs, Ga. to seek treatment and rehabilitation. During his stay in Warm Springs, he met his future wife, Mildred Anne Moneyhun. Following his medical discharge from the Navy, he attended Georgetown University for his medical degree. He then joined the Air Force as a captain. He served in Alaska and was once again medically discharged. He was married in 1952 and moved to Akron to practice anesthesia with Professional Anesthesia Service. In January 1, 1969, Don and Dr. William G. Ellis formed Anesthesia for Children based at Akron Children's Medical Center. While at Children's, Don oversaw the respiratory therapy department, established an anesthesia residency program and served as Chief of the Department of Anesthesia from 1967 to 1986 and was also Chief of Staff. He served as the Medical Director of the Respiratory Therapy program at The University of Akron from 1976 to 1985. In 1986, Don retired from his anesthesia practice and began an association with Dr. Frank Waickman in allergy and immunology. Don retired from his second career in 2001. After the passing of his wife, affectionately known as "Sut", Don moved to Sunrise Assisted Living of Bath in 2006 where he received excellent care. He loved walking, gardening, feeding the birds, and traveling. He lived his life in service to others.

Predeceased by wife, Sut; parents, Elmer and Mariana; sister, Edie Clark; in-laws, Mike and Anne Moneyhun; he is survived by children, Anne and Buddy Doyle, Phil and Sis Ames; grandchildren, Steve and Wendy Ames, Lars and Coco Ames, Corky Ames, Beth and David Tate, Patrick and Stephanie Doyle, Emily and David Dykes; great-grandchildren, Keely, SAM, and Nate Ames, Lilli Ames, Sarah Tate; nieces, Cindie Steel, Michael Harrison; nephew, Dave Clark; special niece, Kathie Clark; special nephew and namesake, Donald Nelson Moneyhun, Romi dos Santos; and brother-in-law, Milt Clark.

Endless gratitude to Linda Gardner and Brenda Hill for their loving care of Don.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held in June, 2009. If desired, memorial donations would be appreciated for Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Akron, Ohio 44333. Their kindness, dedication and support is unparalleled.