Robert Cole Nelson

Nelson, Robert Cole ?Bobby?, 71, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday, January 19, 2006 at home. Born in Decatur, Indiana, he came here in 1980 from Sarasota, Florida. He was a 1961 graduate of Indiana University with a B.S. Degree in Business Administration and served as a Medic in the U.S. Air Force. After a move to Sarasota, he began a 35-year career as a stock and commodity broker, ending his career with Charles Schwab & Company. He was past president and treasurer of the Sarasota Indiana Alumni Club and a past president and secretary/treasurer of the Sarasota Scottish Rite Club. He was raised a Master Mason in 1961 and a member of Cary B. Fish Lodge #346 in Sarasota. He was a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Tampa and the Egypt Shrine Center in Tampa since 1963. He served on many committees and was an Aide, Assistant Marshall of units and also served as Circus Chairman for one year. He was a member of the ?Egyptian Oriental Band? for over 45 years where he held all of the offices at one time or another. He was musical director and lead man or so called ?Genie? in the Shrine parades for many years. He was also a member of the Suncoast Jazz Society and a volunteer for the St. Petersburg Police Department. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Virginia A.; three sons, Dr. Richard Cole Nelson, Oviedo, FL, Scott Lee Nelson, Longwood, FL and John Allan Nelson, Sarasota, FL; a daughter, Rhonda R. Coyle, Clearwater, FL; a twin brother, James D. Nelson, Ft. Wayne, IN and three grandsons. With the loving support of his wife, Virginia, his family and many friends, he enjoyed a full and entertaining life.