Don was my flight instructor when I started training in 1982. Over the years he told many stories and I enjoyed listening to his philosophy combined with humor and wit, on just about every topic! As a young pilot I was inspired by one of his famous quotes, “ You can fly from here to California 500 feet above the ground and never talk to anybody”. I am a better pilot today and probably a better Officer during my career from my interactions and conversations with Don. He really was an amazing person! My condolences to the family he will be greatly missed!!

Don was a fine gentleman and great flight instructor. I received my private pilot license in 1994 with Don as my instructor. My condolences to the family

Laura and I served with Jason Cantrell in Singapore and South Asia. Jason was one of the finest young men we have ever known. As thoroughly a decent man as ever to grace this good earth. We feel certain that his grandfather was, as we know his mother and father are, the very outstanding people, that provide the love, training and leadership that produces such men as Jason Cantrell.

Love, Carl & Laura

My husband Keith flew at Greencastle for several years.

He was an instructor and we flew there many times in several of the planes also.

He also enjoyed the fun flys they had . I know he would hate to miss going to

Greencastle on Tuesday but he is in a care center now.

Don was a great person and friend.

Bill and Rosemary

I am proud to say that Don Nelson was my Flight instructor. He taught me well and was always encouraging before and after I got my license in November 1976. I hope to see you on Tuesday.

Russ Davis

#4 on the solo wall

To all the Nelson family sorry for your loss. Don will be flying high again! You will be in my prayers. Keep all the good memories in your hearts forever . Former Johnson County Reserve Deputy .

We have many fond memories of when Don flew in and out of Bartlett Field in Solon. He shared his love of flying with all of us, and was a good family friend. Our sincere condolences to his family. We will always remember him as a great pilot, friend, and mentor.

Sincerely,

Jim & Audrey Bartlett and family.

Don was a brother officer fellow pilot and most of all a Great Guy.He was dedicated to his duties as a State Patrol pilot, always the professional.I am proud to have known him,Don will be missed by the many he has touched.

My sincere condolences to Dons' family . Respectfully,Dewey Jontz,Iowa State Patrol Retired.

Rosemary.and Bill: I have missed not having your parents living next door espcially the last 20 years since Steve is no long wiith us. The last time I seen your dad was in 2020 when he found out steve had died in 1999. He asked me out to east chinese since we were both alone. don and jackie were the best neighbors I've have ever had.

One of my regrets in life is that I didn’t meet Don sooner than I did. The last 12 years have flown by. I also regret that I never had the opportunity to meet Jackie. When Don spoke of her you could feel the love he had for her. I will

truly miss him as I have Terry. But I am lucky that I have

had the opportunity to call them my friends.

As you soar above and join Jackie please know how thankful all that you made or helped make flying experiences a reality love you. I thank you for my time at Green Castle and fulfilling my dream to live and fly from my home on an airport. May God give all that mourn strength and courage to remember the joy you provided.

Don was one of the outstanding people on Earth. Met and flew with him 20 years ago for three years, to this day his kind and gentle spirit impact me. The way he cared about people and his perspective on life made me want to be a better man. I’m truly humbled to have known him. My heart goes out to his family.

I grew up having Don as a part of my life. His genuine compassion and love of people were shown through his actions as he would do anything in any way he possibly could in order to help.

My fondest memories of Don originated at the Green Castle Airport, where so many people have been privy to his company. As a young adult, my older brother began taking flight lessons. I however, as a you boy at that time, did not partake in lessons. I went out withmy older brother having hope's of watching the excitement of airplane going flying, and dreaming of one day earning my own pilots license. While I spent these summers out at the airport, Don would often task me with odd and end jobs such as cleaning carpet, making coffee, washing airplanes, cleaning windshields, fuelibg up airplanes, mowing, and many times fixing the computer so he and Rita could play solitaire. However, I was not aware that at that time, Don would spend his time lining up airplane rides with other pilots for me. While I completed these little jobs around the airport, Don was busy calling pilots, and scheduling rides later in the days.

Don not only fueled my dreams to become a pilot through all of his stories of flying, but he helped them become a reality long before I was old enough to get my pilots license. He made me feel like I was part of the pilot community when I was just an airport "bum" going up for rides during my brother's lessons.

Years later, I did recieved my pilots license thanks to the Aeroclub, and made possible by Don. Like many others before me, after me, and many even yet to come; Don's compassion for others and his dream of this perfect little airport gem have made my own dreams not only possible, but a reality.

I will never forget all that Don has done for me as a friend, a mentor, an instructor, and the kingpin of the Green Castle family.

Clear skies and tailwinds Don; you will be greatly missed.

We are so sorry to hear about Dons passing. He was a good friend, and he provided a way to reach the dream of becoming a pilot. He will be missed. He was the catalyst that made Green Castle Aero Club what it is today.

May God bless all his family.