David Charles Nelson, age 68, passed away on January 23, 2026.

David Charles Nelson was born August 30, 1957 in Jackson County, Missouri. He was the son of Edward Eugene Nelson & Nadine Velma (nee Dayton ) Nelson.

As a teen, he worked alongside his father, a skilled welder. After graduating from Webster Groves High School, David served on the USS Kalamazoo, as well as the USS Fulton as an Electricians Mate. His Navy duties spanned over 4 years and included schools and specialized training. He ended his enlistment as an EM-4322 PG engineer. After his military service, David had a wife (divorced), two children, and worked as an electrician for many years in St. Louis schools. He was also a proud member of IBEW. David enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and grandkids. He also loved traveling, casinos, Harley Davidson motorcycles and helping everyone he could.

David entered into rest on January 23, 2026 in Fenton, MO at the age of 68.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Edward E. Nelson Sr, and Nadine V. Nelson; his maternal grandparents, Helen and Newell Olen Dayton; and his paternal grandparents, Harvey and Zula Mae Nelson. Also preceding him in death were uncles Ewell Nelson, Bobby, and Frank Dayton, and George Gurney; aunts Carol June Dysart, Frankie Dayton, and Thelma Nelson; cousins Theresa Nelson, Rusty and Steve Davton, Nancy Barrowman, Gayla Deal, and Russell Dysart.

David is survived by his two children, Erica Nelson and Daryl Nelson, and four grandchildren, Abby Carr, Lucas, Oliver, & Parker Milot. His siblings Edward E. Nelson, Jr (Vicki Devenport), Deborah Nelson (Larry) Fieser, Janet Nelson (Matt Meiners), and Susan Nelson (Ron Rainier) also survive him. Other survivors are his nieces and nephews, Josh Nelson (Bianca Martin), Jessica Nelson, Joanna (Keegan) Reker, Sarah Fieser (Lenny Grosso), Emily (Rob) and Nora Williams, Michael and Jennifer Morris, an uncle, Bobby Dysart, and aunts, Lois Gurney and Nihla Dayton. Surviving cousins are Tammy Figge, Danny Dysart, Marsha Leigh, Ronnie Groves, Rodney, Dennis, and Jack Dayton, and Judy Reudiger.

Services will be Friday, February 6, 2026 in Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory, Branson. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm with funeral services to follow at 2:00 pm. David will be laid to rest in Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery, Branson with military honors by the United States Navy and BVA 913.