Donald Lee Nelson, 80, of Circleville, West Virginia passed away Sunday, July 14, 2024 at Grant Rehabilitation and Care Center in Petersburg, West Virginia.

He was born August 7, 1943 at Cherry Grove and was the son of the late Emma Lee Rymer Barkley and the stepson of the late Wardell Barkley.

Donald graduated from Circleville High School and Potomac State College.  He attended a 75 week course in Technical Electronics in Hyattsille, Maryland, did an internship at Fairchild Hiller Corp. in Germantown, Maryland from 1966 - 1970.  In 1971 he became an intermediate technician at Green Bank Observatory and later became a telescope operator.  He had secret security clearance and observed frequencies of 3 85' telescopes and 1 45' telescope at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO).  He was a member of the Circleville Presbyterian Church.  He enjoyed hunting, and his pride and joy were his horses.  He loved going on trail rides.

Surviving are –

Two sisters –

Judy Warner of Stafford, VA

Diana Hiner (Darrell) of Cherry Grove, WV

Two brothers –

Kenneth Barkley (Bonnie) of Moorefield, WV

Richard Barkley (Nancy) of Circleville, WV

And a number of nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Patty Barkley and Carolyn Steele.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday, July 18, 2024 at Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin, where a funeral will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, July 19 with Rev. Fletcher Hutcheson officiating.

Interment will be at the Dry Run Hinkle Cemetery.

Memorials may be made toward his funeral expenses, c/o Krista Hiner, 33 Royal Glen Road, Petersburg, WV  26847