Delos Nelson

Delos T. Nelson Vice President-Central National Bank Glider Pilot - World War II Delos aka D T. Nelson, the son of the late Taylor and Geraldine Shaw Nelson, died August 28th, 2010. D was a resident of Shaker Heights, OH, a graduate of Western Reserve University, Adelbert College and Western Reserve Law School, with a 3 ½ year interval during which he was a glider pilot in World War II with the U.S. Air Force. Shortly after becoming a member of the Bar he became associated with the law firm of Hyre and Stevens. A year or so later D became associated with the Trust Development and Estate Planning Division of Central National Bank and retired 30 years later as Vice President and Manager of the division. D was still practicing law prior to his death. D has always had a love for the theatre and music and in 1962 joined the Hermit Club where he participated in many of their theatrical productions. In the early 1970's he formed his own show group calling it "Nelson's Folly, Cleveland's Own Politically Incorrect." The show was an immediate success and ran for 40 years with completely new material every year. Nelson's Folly was the summer entertainment at the Cleveland Play House Club for over 25 years starting at the old Club on Euclid Avenue and carrying over to the Sears Play House compound on Carnegie. In addition, the group performed at many private parties and functions and most of the country clubs in Cleveland, a Dental convention in Columbus and the Big Broadcaster's Luncheon. Most rewarding was performing at most of the Cleveland area retirement homes, bringing laughter to many residents. The cast was self sustaining and included Hank Nystrom, who was also the choreographer and his wife Selina, musical director and accompanist; Margaret Stitt, whose husband Jack was stage manager, lighting, and sound director; Jim Goodwin; Ellen Cloughergy; and D, who served as producer. Additional cast members were Corinne Dorer and Nancy Morris, who retired and moved out of state, and Betsy Guy, who still performs with Nelson's Folly when she is available. After 40 years, the longest running show in the history of the USA brought down the final curtain in 2008. In the early 80's, D began volunteering at the Cleveland Sight Center. He became a radio reader, which is reading for two hours the local newspapers, magazines, etc. for visually impaired listeners. Along with the late Ted Bowinkleman, he was also influential in bringing audio description into the Cleveland area. Audio description consists of attending live theatre with visually impaired people and describing the show as it is being performed. He was also a member of the Board of Trustees and in the year 2009 he was named Volunteer of the Year by the Cleveland Sight Center. A Memorial Service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church located at 3445 Warrensville Center Road, Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122 on September 3rd, at 10 AM. Interment and Military Honors will follow at Lake View Cemetery. Those who wish may contribute to the Ireland Cancer Center of University Hospital, 11100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, Cleveland Sight Center, 1909 E. 101st Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, Christ Episcopal Church, 3445 Warrensville Center Rd., Shaker Hts., OH, 44122 or St. Anthony's Library at the Hermit Club, 1629 Dodge Court, Cleveland, Ohio 44114. D is survived by his dear cousins, Jeanne Gaither Heller, Paul Gaither and the late Taylor Gaither and his beloved friend, Sally McClain of Cleveland, Ohio. D is also survived by many loving friends. BROWN-FORWARD SERVICE 216 752 1200


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