Edward Joseph Nelson

Edward Joseph Nelson, born on February 13, 1950, was 63 years of age, when he passed in the company of loved-ones of Pulmonary Edema, on February 10, 2014, at Kaiser Hospital, in Ontario, California. Born at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, Ed was born to Carlita and Edward Columbus. The first of two boys born to his Mother who later married Preston Nelson, for whom they proudly accepted Mr. Nelsons last name. From Carlita and Prestons union Juan Nelson, the first of Eds youngest brothers was born. Mr. Columbus would later father Edwards only sister Barbara Columbus, and his two youngest brothers, Marvin and David Columbus. “Eddie”-as his family and friends commonly called him-singled-out Mount Auburn, Cincinnati, as his “Mecca”, the original location, where he learned many of his life lessons. With his primary influences residing in this city for the formative years of his life, Eddie was appreciative for his upbringing and grateful for those who contributed to his “becoming a Man”. These influences included, but certainly not limited to, Mann Taylor -who he distinguished as the gentleman who grounded and steered him in a positive direction. Ellister and Rita Parker, whom of which he mentioned often as strong influences and positive role-models. These are just a few of the many Mentors, Advisors and Supporters Eddie mentioned he was thankful to have known. Often describing the Mt Auburn/Cincinnati area as the source of his ambition and the foundation of his character, Ed never expected hed be required to vacate his hometown, until in 1966, he was advised to move to California, by his mother, after an incident attending a party during High School. Eddie revered “Cincy”- Always proud to refer back to his days in this area. He would rarely go a week without talking to his childhood buddies, Mike Eakins and Rico Gary. Always keeping in touch and always loyal to those who proved loyal to him. Eddie would later be gratified to be reunited in California with his childhood friend, Mike, at Dorsey High School. In 1974 while working in the “tool-crib” at Hughes Aircraft, in Culver City, California, Ed met his wife of 37 years, Pamela, in the “Engineering Dept”, passing through the halls on the way to the Computer Lab. He vividly describes the story as an admirer of Pam, proclaiming to his Aunt Patricia “Patty” Broughton (who later introduced the two), that “this woman will be my wife one day”. They would wed on August 7, 1976, producing three children Renarte, Enjoli and Trevante. In 1987 Eddie moved his family to Rialto, California where he would raise his children and retire from his position with the Employment Development Department. After retiring Ed took great pride in helping to raise and celebrate his grandchildren as he documented on many Facebook posts. Edward, recently rededicated his life to Christ, while enjoying services at Fountain of Love Church, in Pomona, CA. California is where Eddie began to establish his Legacy and lay the foundations for his reverence. A talented and gifted vocalist, Ed participated in church choirs at the age of 4, sang in talent shows, and eventually co-managed his own memorable musical group, THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR BAND. Dreaming of “bright lights” and “grand stages”, Eddie Nelson had ambitions of sharing his gifts along with his talented band worldwide and performed in venues in Okinawa Japan, featured at Magic Mountain Theme Park in Valencia, CA and various locations opening for James Brown and Al Wilson. Eddie had a passion for music and singing and told of these stories whenever (and to whomever) he could find a listening ear. Eddie, always congenial and engaged, loved his conversations with others. He was very proud of his own accomplishments but took greater pride in congratulating and celebrating the achievements of those around him. He wanted EVERYONE to be successful and was extremely proud of their successes. This attitude and his desire to service the community, led him to coaching the local youth at the Johnson Center and Eisenhower High School in Rialto, California, Fontana High School in Fontana, California and all over the Inland Empire, and later founding the Inland Empires first academic-youth league for young ladies to play competitive basketball. From these events he affectionately was referred to by many of the local youth as Coach Nelson. Eddie is survived by his father Edward Columbus, uncle Ernest Columbus, aunt Doll Edmonson and aunt Verna Roberts. Eddie leaves behind his wife Pamela, son Renarte, daughter Enjoli (Germaine) Burries, son Trevante (Marie) Nelson, granddaughter Nauvi Burries and grandson Iree Burries, brother Juan (Kathy) Nelson, brother Marvin (Natasha) Columbus, brother David (Trish) Columbus, sister Barbara, brother-in-laws Gregory (Jennifer) Fulbright, Brian Fulbright, Keith Fulbright, Sean (Aricca) Fulbright, sister-in-law Lisa Fulbright and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Great-Nieces, Great Nephews, Cousins and Friends. He joins in Paradise his beloved mother, Carlita Nelson. Sincerely loved, Eddie, Daddy, Pops, Papa, Uncle Eddie, Coach Ed, Coach Nelson will be missed, dearly. Service Location Not Available Saturday 2/22, 12:00 pm