On Tuesday, January 3, 2023, "Dar" peacefully left this earthly realm at the Galax Health and Rehabilitation Center. Frank Darwin Nelson was born July 21, 1959 in Detroit, MI to Frank Murray Nelsoen and Mable Crockett Nelsoen. He was known to his family as "Darwin". He struggled to live during his first few years but because of his mother's diligence, prayers and steadfast trust in the Lord, he grew to be full of life with a robust presence.

He was an excellent, self-taught guitarist. His mother showed him a few chords on the guitar and he learned by listening to others from that point on. He played for a number of churches and gospel groups independently and with ensembles and bands.  Our family reunions and gatherings were enriched by the sounds coming from his guitar.

Darwin enjoyed the excitement of security work; bounty hunting and being involved with Law Enforcement. He worked details that included businesses and private entities.

He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren who called him "Pawpaw". Even while he lay sick and had lost his vision, hearing his grandchildren's voices would cause him to brighten up.

He was preceded in death by his oldest sister, Frances Nelsoen, his youngest brother, Dorion Nelsoen and his father.

He is survived by his mother, Mable Crockett Nelsoen; wife, Charisse Thomason Nelsoen of Winston-Salem, NC; one daughter, Aledra Beal (Asa); two sons, Kevin Nelsoen and Eric Nelsoen (Curnisha) both of Winston-Salem; two sisters, Sharon Nelsoen and Pamela Jones, both of Wytheville, VA; one brother, Darryl Nelsoen (Patricia); nine grandchildren, Keymora and Kimberly Pinnix, Alana Blair Walker, Yamaya Raine Augustine, Aleigh Maria Nelsoen, Micah Ian Beal,  Josiah Asa Beal, Ma'Savior Edwards, Za'Kyra and Mateus Nelsoen.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 9, 2023 at the Barnett Funeral Home with Pastor Cynthia Cummings officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before service time.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.highlandfuneralservice.com. Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, VA is serving the Nelsoen family.