Arvada resident, Donavon "Don" Nelson, 78, died peacefully on July 28, 2017 with his family by his side. Don was born on January 18, 1939, in Sidney, Nebraska, to Catherine and Nels Nelson. He is survived by his children, Steve Nelson (Janet), Jodi Villa (Keith) and Julie Powell. Don so dearly loved his grandchildren, Justin, Rachel, Catherine, Marie and Kevin, and his greatgranddaughter, Charlotte. He is also survived by his brothers Alan (Bernice) Nelson and Duane (Carol) Nelson, and his sister, Beth Nemechek, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Helen Drees Nelson, and his parents. Rosary will be Monday, August 7, at 7:00 p.m., at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, located at 12735 West 58th Avenue, Arvada, Colorado. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church on Tuesday, August 8, at 10:00 am, with a reception following in the Church Parish Hall. Private interment with family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Don's memory to Collier Hospice Center, Lutheran Hospice, 3210 N. Lutheran Parkway, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.