Earl E. NelsonPunta Gorda, Florida Earl E. Nelson, 79, of Punta Gorda, FL went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday November 1, 2016.  He passed peacefully in his home. Earl was born on August 29, 1937 in Emerson Arkansas to the late Clarance and Mary Nelson. He lived in Arkansas until the age of 16 when he began his bachelors program at Michigan State University.  He started his career as a teacher in the Lansing school district.  He then served 8 years in the Michigan Legislature as both a State Representative and Senator.  He finished his career as the Director of Equity for the State Department of Education.  He is also remembered as founder of the Earl Nelson Singers and a Lansing community advocate.Earl was a strong man of God.  As such, he carried a spirit of joy every day and was seldom ill.  His family lovingly referred to him as jolly.  Always ready with scripture to meet any need, he was the spiritual head of his family and leaves an amazing legacy of faith.  He was ordained as a minister and started a home church (Oasis Ministry) after retiring to Florida.In 1985 Earl married Josephine LaBelle and they were happily married for 31 years. Together they enjoyed visiting their children and grandchildren as well as extensive travel.Earl leaves behind many beloved family  members: his brothers, Tony Nelson, Herman Nelson, Charles (Cathy) LaBelle and Daniel (Barbara) LaBelle; his sisters, Maxine Smith, Jean Nelson and Abigail LaBelle; Daughters Sondra (Walter) Crosier, Deane Nelson, Laura Nelson, Morgan (Andre) Hutson, Toni (David) Thomas and Nicole (Matt) Gold; Six grandchildren - Cameron and Sydney Hutson, Kingston and Kennedy Thomas and Wiley and Ellie Gold; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, loved ones and many wonderful friends. A memorial service celebrating Earl's life will be held on Sunday November 13th at 2pm with a visitation from 1-2 pm at the Hawk Hollow Chapel, 15101 Chandler Rd, Bath, MI 48808.  In lieu of flowers, memorial bequests can be made to , 1 World Ave, Little Rock, AK 72202. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Lansing Chapel.