Darwin J. Nelson, 76, of Princeton, passed away on Friday, March 3, 2017 at Gibson General Hospital in Princeton.

He was born on November 24, 1940 in Owensville, IN.

He was a member of the First General Baptist Church, where he served on the Deacon Board, the Missions and Benevolence Committees and was a member of the Praise Band for 8 years.  He served on the Salvation Army Board for 25 years, a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Princeton Kiwanis Club. Darwin had previously worked at Emge Meat Packing, owner of American Appraisal Company and retired in 2015 after 30 years as part owner of American Real Estate. Music was a big part of his life: He was a songwriter and Darwin Nelson & the Blaze-Makers recorded—Lazy Lu among others, he was a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, Pilgrim Travelers gospel group for 14 years and in the early 70’s—Country Town USA.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marietta (Welt) Nelson of Princeton; son Brad (Irma) Nelson; grandchildren Kyle & Megan Nelson; sister Cappy (Gerald) Fitch; sister Darlene Skelton; brothers-in-law John Welt & Lynn (Vickie) Welt; nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother Naomi (Pavey) Ellis; father Darwin W. Nelson; stepfathers: Denver Wright & Hubert Ellis; stepmother Elizabeth Nelson & brother Gary Nelson.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton, officiated by Pastor Brad Keenan.  Burial will be at the Walnut Hill Cemetery in Fort Branch, IN. Visitation will be 4 until 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Colvin Funeral Home.