Don Juan Nelson Sr. was the eldest of three children born to the late Johnnie Frank "J.F." Nelson and Cara Jean Battle Nelson on December 21, 1948, in Wichita Falls, Texas. He attended Wichita Falls public schools, graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in 1967. At "Booker T," Don excelled academically, earning a trip to Europe for winning first place in the Regional Science Fair, and was a member of the marching band.

Don left Wichita Falls to attend Bishop College in Dallas, Texas, where he met the love of his life, Gwinevere. He was initiated into his beloved Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in December,1968. After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree from Bishop in 1970, Don answered the draft and served in the US Army from 1971 to 1973. He later earned an MBA degree from East Texas State University, now Texas A&M Commerce. Don served as Financial Aids Director at Bishop College for a short time and then accepted a supervisor position at Southwestern Bell. After a successful career of over 30 years in AT&T management, Don retired in 2009.

Don Juan and Gwinevere (Powell) were married on May 15, 1971, and celebrated their Golden wedding anniversary in May 2021. They are the proud parents of two sons, Don Juan Jr. and Ryan Jamal. Don was active in the community where he served as Scout Master of Troop 788 (St. Elizabeth Catholic School), coached a youth baseball team, and served as a volunteer to mentor young men and conduct youth talent competition through his fraternity's Foundation. He loved to play golf as often as he could with his dedicated Thursday golf partners. As a fan of all Dallas professional sports, he was a dedicated Dallas Cowboys fan since childhood.

Don Juan's larger-than-life personality attracted people of all walks of life—no one was a stranger and he locked in life-long friendships. He was everyone's cheerleader and support system. Though, his most shimmering devotion was to his family.

Don Juan was baptized at an early age at Antioch Baptist Church in Wichita Falls. Most recently, he was a member of Friendship West Baptist Church where he served in the ushers ministry and as President, increased the membership phenomenally.

Don Juan earned his wings on the afternoon of August 11, 2021, at the age of 72. He is survived by his beloved wife, Gwinevere; sons Don Juan Nelson Jr. (Joicelyn) and Ryan-Jamal Nelson; grandson, Kameron Don Nelson; brother, Brian K. Nelson Sr. (Pamela); sister, Tami Y. Nelson Eli; uncle, E.C. Nelson; two aunts, Cecile Battle Banks and O'Linda Battle Barnett; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, and his brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.