Frank Nelson
Published May 24, 2013
Frank Nelson, Sr.
December 30, 1937 – May 11, 2013
NHRA Drag Racing Legend, Frank Nelson, Sr. of Auburn, Washington went peacefully to be with our Lord on May 11, 2013 surrounded by his family and friends after a 3 year long battle with cancer.
Frank was born on December 30, 1937 in Seattle, WA. Frank grew up in Alger, WA and went to Burlington-Edison High School. Frank served in the United States Air Force from 1956-1959 at Schilling Air Force Base in Salina, Kansas. After his honorable Discharge from the AF, he made Auburn, WA his home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Violet Nelson, and one grand-daughter, Amy Zacharias.
Frank is survived by his wife Ruth, daughter Theresa,
son’s Frank Nelson, Jr., Donald, Christopher, Steven and Stanley Zacharias, a sister, Carolyn Canaday, 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Frank retired from the Northern Pacific/Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad after 45 years of service. Frank is best known as a NHRA Northwest Hall of Fame drag racing legend where he has raced locally and nationally for the past 50+ years.
In 2003 the City of Auburn presented Frank with the Local Legend Award.
In 2011, Frank was presented with the City of Auburn’s Pioneer Spirit Award.
A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor on Saturday, June 8, 2013 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Auburn Eagles – 702 “M” Street, Auburn, WA 98002.