FUNERAL HOME

Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home

28300 So. Tamiami Tr.

Bonita Springs, Florida

Doug Nelson Obituary

Doug Nelson was born in Iowa and died in Florida, but he lived most of his 68 years in Lawrence Kansas. He died on January 1, 2019 of pulmonary fibrosis.

Doug grew up in Glen Ellyn IL. He was a member of the Boy Scouts and earned the rank of Eagle Scout by building benches along an area pathway. He was proud to follow his late father, Eugene K. Nelson, who also earned the rank of Eagle. Doug's grandniece, Clara, is carrying on the family tradition by recently becoming a Scout.

He would have been a BMOC at Glenbard West High School if only he had a 1967 GTO. Instead, he worked as a dishwasher in a local restaurant and bagged groceries to earn money toward that dream. His dad and late mom, Mary Madge Nelson, kept their four children busy with chores and projects that included a large backyard vegetable garden.

Doug arrived at the University of Kansas as a freshman in 1968 and lived in Lawrence until 2018. The last fourteen years were split between Lawrence and Bonita Springs FL.

His biggest accomplishment as a student was extending his senior year from 1972 to 1977 to secure football seats in the senior section for five years. (Hey, look at the years 1968 through 1977 - John Riggins, Bobby Douglass, John Zook, David Jaynes, Nolan Cromwell).

Doug attended three significant KU sporting events: the infamous "12th man" 1968 Orange Bowl where KU lost to Penn State by one point, the ill-fated "crimson uniform comeback" and Danny Manning's first Final Four in 1986 where KU lost to Duke in the first round. And, finally, the gloriously redemptive win over Virginia Tech at the 2008 Orange Bowl.

Doug's professional life was law enforcement. He was often amused by the public in Lawrence. On patrol, he received a call of "possible UFO in front yard". He arrived at the residence, examined the "UFO" and asked the homeowner, did you recently order a pizza? The silver delivery pouch had been accidently left in the yard.

On a noise disturbance call, he entered a college apartment filled with people and loud music. He approached the ad hoc DJ who was cross-legged on the floor rifling through CDs and loading an early 1990s CD player. Doug yelled, it's the police – twice. The DJ continued to flip through the CDs and said, I know I've got them here somewhere. Doug tapped the young man on the shoulder and said, no, it's the police!

Doug was proud of a number of things in his life: earning the rank of Eagle Scout, graduating from KU, completing an unblemished law enforcement career of 42 years (25 as a LKPD Patrol Officer and 17 years as a Municipal Court Security Officer), maintaining a 42 year marriage, and the fact he owned and drove only three cars in his life: a beige 1969 VW Beetle, a green 1991 Jeep Cherokee, and a purple 2007 Dodge Charger (Limited Edition Plum Crazy 728/1,400 manufactured, currently with 10,010 miles, HEMI 3.5 L 250 HP V 6 – sadly less of a chick magnet than anticipated in 1967).

He will be missed by his wife Elaine (otherwise known as his Florida wife), his best friend Polly, sisters Mala Barnes in Kansas City, Marla Smith (Randy) in Ft. Myers FL, his brother David Nelson (Lynn) in Venice FL, his many colleagues, friends and acquaintances in every coffee shop ever to exist in Lawrence from the Village Inn to the Bourgeois Pig, Zip Lock Glad Bags (manufacturer of wallets) and the aforementioned 2007 Dodge Charger.

A family service will be held in the Gulf of Mexico. No flowers needed, we live in Florida. Instead, if you would like to make a memorial gift please consider Boy Scout Troop 41, c/o First Congregational Church, 535 Forest Ave, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 (www.t42glenellyn.org) or FOP Lodge #2, PO Box 272, Lawrence, KS 66044 (www.LawrenceFOP.org).

Most importantly, please share your memories of Doug at www.shikanyfuneralhome.com.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Jan. 6, 2019.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Doug Nelson

Not sure what to say?





Doug's brothers and sisters at Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #2 offer our sincere condolences to Elaine. Many of us worked alongside Doug over the years and have fond memories of him. We will miss him in our lives.

FOP Chaplain

January 31, 2019

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Psalm 146:5,9

January 24, 2019

Dear Elaine - I am so sorry for your loss. We came to know and love Doug as a friend and neighbor. His Jeep Cherokee was a familiar sight as he drove up the cul-de-sac morning and evening; he was making rounds and checking for anything suspicious. He was so good to our girls - teaching and giving them opportunities to learn to work. My girls picked up the yard and planted flowers and cleaned up cob webs and lemon-oiled woodwork. He was known to pay them incredibly well(always from his wallet/ziploc bag) and frequently made a run to sonic of starbucks if the weather was particularly hot or cold. And even better - he was always so very interested in them. He wanted to know about school or cross country or student council - whatever they were doing. Then - he wanted to know about plans for college and then college. Doug celebrated Lauren's wedding with us; he brought the first gift to the house. He celebrated graduations with us coming to the parties. We will miss him but have the fondest of memories of him - which we will treasure.

Dan and Kristin Wethington
Lauren Wethington Clausing, Lindsey Wethington and Leah Wethington

January 18, 2019

Elaine, Please accept my sincere condolences. I always enjoyed working with Doug at the LPD. He was such a delight to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Peggy COBB

January 11, 2019

My sincere condolences to the family on the loss of your loved one. Death can bring so many tears and pain but your memories of them can bring you comfort. May the God who "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this difficult time. (Isaiah 61:1, 2)

January 11, 2019

Elaine, please accept our sympathy NOT our symphony, which we do not have to offer!

Cara and Jim Connelly

Cara and Jim Connelly

January 8, 2019

We knew Doug & Elaine as customers of our business in downtown Lawrence, but we also knew Doug as a police officer that on occasion had to come to our shop on police business. Usually not pleasant situations but it was always a relief when Doug came in because he was gracious and understanding in stressful these situations, which we appreciated.

We are so sorry for your loss and extend our symphony,
Cara and Jim Connelly

Cara and Jim Connelly

January 7, 2019

Doug was one of a kind. His work ethic and dedication to the City of Lawrence was unquestionable and should be emulated by all current and future LPD employees. He will be greatly missed.

David Anderson

January 7, 2019

Doug, Elaine, lived around the corner from use. He would walk there dog passed our home, always stopped to talk, great guy, R.I.P , and keep riding your bike.

Fred/Linda Shirk

January 6, 2019

My condolences to the Nelson Family and Friends. Reflect on beloved memories, as trusted friends provide comfort. Psalms 47:29 will strengthen your resolve, as you cope.

Gina J

January 6, 2019

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Make a Donation
in Doug Nelson's name

Memorial Events
for Doug Nelson

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home

28300 So. Tamiami Tr., Bonita Springs, FL 34134

How to support Doug's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Doug Nelson's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more