SMYRNA - Daniel R. Nelson, Sr. passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 quietly at home after a long illness, with his wife at his side. Mr. Nelson was born Oct. 7, 1955 in Knob Noster, Mo., the son of the late Booker and Mary Nelson. A former military brat, he spent his childhood traveling with his family for his father's Air Force career, finally settling in Delaware. He was a 1973 graduate of John Dickinson High School. He was a former owner of Ogletown Mobil in Newark, DE with his father and brother. After it's closing, he went on to own Family Motors in Smyrna. He ended his career working for the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Smyrna. Danny loved his family dearly and cherished each and every member. In March of this year, he and his wife Betty Ann renewed their vows to celebrate their 40 years of marriage. An avid sports fan, he cheered loudest for his Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Orioles. He loved to bowl, shoot pool, amusement parks and was a master auto mechanic. He had recently become an ordained minister and performed a few ceremonies. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, Ernie and Betty Shank. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Betty Ann Nelson; daughter, Neomia Folker and her spouse Michael,of Clayton; son, Daniel R., Jr., and his spouse Stephanie, of Smyrna; brother, John of Dover; in-laws, Cathi Miklus and her spouse Michael, of Delaware City, Jack Shank and his spouse JoAnne, of Newark, Ernie Shank and his spouse Shellie, of Jacksonville, Fla., Joe Shank and his spouse, Kim of Newark; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two nieces; four nephews; and his faithful 4-legged companion, Tank. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2014 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Faries Funeral Chapel, located at 29 S. Main St. in Smyrna. Memorial services will begin at 11 a.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852, or contribute by calling (800) 638-8299. Condolence letters may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com