Ronald Nelson

Age 103, of Clio, went to spend eternity with his beloved Lord on Friday, September 18, 2026. A funeral service will take place at 1:30pm on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services, 1194 East Mt Morris Road, Mt Morris, Michigan. Pastor Larry Nelson to officiate with burial to follow at Flint Memorial Park Cemetery. Family will be present to receive friends on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 from 2:30 pm until 4:30 pm and on Wednesday from 12:30 pm until the time of the service at 1:30 pm. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on Ronald's tribute wall at martinfuneralhome.com.

Ronald Barga Nelson was born on May 27, 1923, in Flint, Michigan, to Mr. and Mrs. Miles and Vivian (Barga) Nelson. His life was centered around his faith in Jesus Christ, his family, and his friends. Ron accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and Lord in 1940, a faith that remained an important part of his life throughout the years. Ron married Donna Jean Babcock on May 20, 1944, in Starkville, Mississippi. They shared many wonderful years together until her passing on April 13, 2007. He later married Orpha (Shanks) Baldwin on March 21, 2009. Ron proudly served two years in the Army Air Corps during World War II and continued his service in the Air Force Reserve for 10 years as an Aerial Navigator, achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Before and after the war, he worked as an Administrative Assistant for the U.S. Government with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. In 1953, Ron returned to Michigan, where he served with the Mt. Morris City Police Reserves for 17 years, retiring as a Lieutenant. He also worked for General Motors at Chevrolet Manufacturing for 28 years, retiring in 1982 as a Senior Methods Analyst. Ron was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Mt. Morris. Throughout the years, he faithfully served as a deacon, taught the Discipleship Bible Class, and served on several boards and committees. His faith, dedication to his church, and love for those around him were a lasting reflection of the life he lived.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: Larry, Diane, and Carol (Ronald); numerous grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.

Ron was preceded in death by his first wife, Donna; second wife, Orpha; parents: Miles and Vivian; brother, Cecil; son in-law, Billy; sister in-law, Ruth; and brothers in-law: Wendell and Bernard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be considered to Bray Road Christian Church.