Darrell "Double D" Nelson, 60, passed away on December 24, 2025. He was born in Port Hueneme, California and was the son of the late Thomas William Nelson (United States Navy SWC/E-7) and Coretta Mae Nelson (Baker).  He was preceded by his granddaughters Trinity Lynn Reynolds, Delaney Alyce Grace Hiser, and Danika Raye Lynne Hiser; his sister Debra Anne Nelson and brothers Thomas William Nelson, Jr. and Wayne Burchett.

Darrell was a United States Navy Veteran and Retiree having served with the USS Coral Sea (CV-43), USS Saratoga (CV-60), USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), USS Deyo (DD-989), and USS Stump (DD-978).  He saw combat action in the Gulf of Sidra and during Operation El Dorado Canyon.  His final duty station was Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia aboard the USS Stump (DD-978) where he retired after almost 22 years of dedicated service.  He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 4411 in Franklin, Virginia where he served as the Jr Vice Commander.  He later went on to work for several government contractors continuing his service to our great country and fellow Armed Forces members ensuring the safety and ability to return home to loved ones.  He taught and mentored young hunters through volunteering as an instructor for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Basic Hunting Education Classes.

Darrell is survived by his wife Sherry Lynn Nelson; Children Erik Darrell Nelson, Bethany Dawn and Darylyn Alyce Hiser, Alexandra Lee "Lexi" Clayton, Trevor Clayton and Brenda Jane Edwards and Troy Edwards; Grandchildren Heather M. Clayton and Hazel M. Clayton; Siblings Alice Hadley, Nancy Lee, Beverly LaFontaine, Tina Lee, Cynthia Ray, Barbara Nelson, Linda Hill, and Mary Burchett; Sibling-in-law Debra and Steve Campbell, Betty and Joseph Brown, Melodie and Rickie Dooley, John Dalton, Bobby and Brenda Dalton, Pat and Tammy Dalton, Diana and Don Smyth, and Don and Debbie Dalton.

A graveside memorial service with full military honors will be held Friday, January 23, 2026 at 3 p.m. at Albert G. Horton Jr Memorial Veterans Cemetery with Todd Criner officiating.  A celebration of Darrell's life will follow at VFW Post 4411 located at 3385 Beaver Dam Road, Franklin, VA 23851 and open to all who knew and loved him.  Memorial donations may be made to the VFW National Home at www.vfwnationalhome.org or 3573 S. Waverly Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.