Earl E. Nelson (August 29, 1937 – November 1, 2016) was a Democratic member of both houses of the Michigan Legislature from 1971 through 1978.

[1][2] Born in Emerson, Arkansas, Nelson graduated from Michigan State University.

He taught in the Lansing schools and worked for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

In 1970, he won election to the Michigan House of Representatives.

He was also the Director of Equity for the Michigan Department of Education.