Doug Nelson

February 3, 1953 - February 3, 2021

PAOLA, KANSAS — Born Douglas Bernard Nelson to Marcedes O. Nelson and Gordon R. Nelson in Phoenix, Arizona. Doug moved to Carlsbad, California in 1959 after his father left the family. While his mother worked two jobs to support the family, Doug had a wonderful childhood excelling in football, basketball and baseball. He attended the Boys Club in the Carlsbad barrio almost every day. At Carlsbad high school Doug was quarterback and captain of the football team and short stop or third base and Captain of the baseball team. He was a true team leader! After high school Doug attended Southern Colorado University on a baseball scholarship. He played baseball for one year and decided to come home to Carlsbad and work several construction jobs and as a bartender. Doug settled in to work as a plumber for over 40 years. When friends had a plumbing problem

Doug was famous for not accepting payment saying, “It didn’t take me that long!” Doug had many friends due to his can-do attitude and always happy go lucky lifestyle! He was always there to help a friend… and everybody has their own Doug Nelson story! Doug could always be counted on to volunteer his skills to help Daybreak Church or the Boys and Girls Club of Carlsbad when there were construction or plumbing needs. Doug was a strong man. He was dedicated, full of life, undeniably selfless and had a heart

for serving.

In 1984 Doug met Teri Gowe and they were married on June 5, 1986. They have three daughters, Samantha, Katie Jo and Lauren. The girls were active in sports particularly softball. Doug coached their teams while Teri managed the leagues. The Nelson family was Vista Girls Softball! The Vista club team was famous on a national level competing in tournaments throughout the United States and even winning three National Championships coached by Doug. Samantha went on to Northern Arizona University to study while Katie Jo went to University of San Diego and Lauren to Cal State San Marcos. When the young Cal State San Marcos University didn’t have a permanent softball field, Doug with the help of the head coach raised the money and physically built the field. If any of his daughters needed anything Doug would find a way to get it done. After living in Carlsbad/ Vista area for almost 60 years Doug and Teri moved to Olathe, Kansas in September 2017 to be near three of their grandchildren. Doug and Teri then moved to tiny Paola, Kansas a year ago.

Doug‘s mother passed away on December 11, 2008 at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife of 34 years Teri, their three daughters Samantha and her husband Loren, Katie Jo and her husband Jarred, and also daughter Lauren. Doug “Papa” is survived by seven grandsons, Brody 12, Kohen 8, Brooks 6, Wyatt 5, Conway 4, and identical twins Logan and Sawyer 2.

Doug is also survived by his brother Greg and wife Barbi. Uncle Doug was special to their four children Chad, Brooke, Gregory and Jenna.

A memorial service is being planned for this summer in Carlsbad.

Please sign the Guest Book online obituaries.sandiegouniontribune.com