Donald O. Nelson, 80, of Clinton, died May 21, 2003, while undergoing open heart surgery.

He was born in Lake Forest Park on March 26, 1923, to Oscar and Laura Nelson.

He attended Roosevelt High School and graduated from Bellingham High School. He served four years in the Army Air Corps. He graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor of arts degree in business administration.

He worked for Boeing Company in contact administration for 10 years. He then returned to school and earned his master’s degree in education. He spent his entire 25-year teaching career in the South Whidbey School District, as both a teacher and an administrator.

He was a past member and president of the South Whidbey Lions Club. He was a founding member of Island Transit and was instrumental in the installation of passenger waiting stations for the system. He was also a volunteer for the Island County Sheriff’s office for three years, and served on the Island County Fair Board. He was active in helping establish the Clinton Library, and was featured as a Hometown Hero in The South Whidbey Record.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joan Nelson; son Don Nelson and his wife, Joanie, of Langley; daughters Marilee Wamsley and her husband, Garry, and Robin Berry and her husband, Mario Hernandez; grandchildren LaToya and Tanika Berry, Theresa McCosh, and Andy and Michael Nelson; and great-grandchild Mason.

A celebration of life will be held June 7 at the Clinton Progressive Club from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association; the Clinton Library; or Whidbey General Hospital.