Obituary of Ernest Leonard Nelson, Jr

Ernest “Ernie” Nelson, Jr., age 90, of Erie, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 9,2016. He was born on March 11, 1926, the son of the late Ernest and Esther Swanson Nelson, Sr. He served honorably during WWII in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946 on the Western Pacific and was a very proud Veteran. Ernie was a life-long member of Grace Baptist Church, dating back to its original location at 7th and Holland. He served his church on many committees and in several capacities. He worked diligently for 36 years at the General Electric Co., retiring in 1986. Following his retirement, Ernie dedicated himself passionately to several fraternal organizations where he worked tirelessly while elevating himself to many positions of high regard, as per his philosophy of always; “be a leader-not a follower.” His many roles proudly served included; I.O.O.F Grand Patriarch of PA and Scribe of his local encampment #42 in Erie, District Deputy Grand Master for five years and ultimately becoming Grand Master in 1988. He was Grand Representative of the I.O.O.F Grand Lodge of PA to the Imperial Sovereign Grand Lodge of the world for 11 years. Ernie Served the U.C.T as Grand Counselor for one year, fifty years in the Masonic organization at Perry Keystone Lodge No. 392 becoming the Worshipful Master in 1999, fifty years in the Scottish Rite Association where he was past president of the Scottish Choir, a life member of the Zem Zem Shrine, where he was past president of the Arab Patrol, and a member of the Legion of Honor. He humbly served as Chaplain to the Erepa Grotto for many years. Ernie had an extraordinary gifted memory which allowed him to accurately recall locations, dates, times, and events of people and happenings throughout his 90 years. He loved to talk while while being conversant on a wide range of subjects. It was never difficult to ascertain his opinion. He found great joy in sharing stories and experiences to anyone who would listen. In addition to his parents, Ernie was preceded in death by his wife Myrtle “Molly” Louise Nelson on 7/18/15 whom he married April 26, 1952 in Mt. Jewett, PA, also his brother Melvin Nelson and a sister Phyllis Shaw. He is survived by two sons; Doug Nelson (Sandy) and Dale Nelson (Lynne), one daughter Dolores Ray (Dave); seven grandchildren: Rachel Johnson, Gregory Rubino (Danielle), Adam Nelson (Jessie), Aaron Nelson, Brad Nelson (Lanette), Brian Nelson (Beth), and Brandon Nelson (Chelsea) along with five great-grandchildren: River, Kaylee, Molly, Skyler, and Reese. Ernie’s family would like to acknowledge a special thank you to the staff and care providers at the Soldiers & Sailors Home. You were all truly amazing and “angels without wings” the past 15 months. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd., Erie, PA 16506 on Thursday, July 14, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and may attend a viewing on Friday, July 15, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Church, 7300 Grubb Road followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. conducted by the Rev. Joel Nelson and the Rev. Richard Page. Interment will be at Laurel Hill Cemetery with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Erie City Mission, PO Box 407, Erie, PA 16512.