Roger Alan Nelson

Roger Alan Nelson, 73, of Indianapolis, passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2023.  Mr. Nelson was born in Sturgis, Michigan on August 8, 1950, to the late Albert Burleson Nelson, DDS, and Grace Murray Nelson of LaGrange, Indiana.  He was a graduate of Lakeland High School in LaGrange and Manchester College (now University).  He served in the United States Army from 1972 to 1974, and received an additional degree from Indiana University, becoming the first Physician Assistant in the State of Indiana.

Mr. Nelson worked for the State of Indiana at the Fort Wayne State Developmental Center and at LaRue Carter Hospital and Anthem Insurance, both in Indianapolis.  Following his second retirement in 2012, he became involved with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Association, serving as its photographer and being honored as Executive Board Volunteer of the Year in 2017.  He was initiated as a Friend of the Arts into Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, was a member of Second Presbyterian Church and of the JFK Library Foundation.  Roger enjoyed golfing and traveling, and was a master at woodworking, photography, and baking bread!

Survivors include his wife Leslie (Taylor) Nelson of Indianapolis, daughters Jill Howell of Tipton and Ann Applegate of Fort Wayne, grandchildren Max Wallace, Eva Applegate, Henry Wallace, Mallory Applegate, and Sam Howell, brother Craig Nelson (Linda) of Fort Wayne, and sister Karen Helmkamp (Thomas) of LaGrange.

Calling will be at Indiana Funeral Care, 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis on Thursday, October 19 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a service at the funeral home on Friday, October 20 at 3:30 p.m.   Calling will also be held at Frurip-May Funeral Home in LaGrange, Indiana on Saturday, October 21 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with interment at Riverside Cemetery in Howe, Indiana immediately following.  Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.