David Nelson, a longtime resident of Edmonds, left his earthly home to be with his Lord on January 14. David was born on February 12, 1936, to Gilbert and Helen Nelson in Sycamore, Illinois. The family resided in Sycamore until 1951, when they moved to Port Angeles.
David graduated from Port Angeles High School in 1954 and moved to Bremerton, where he attended Olympic College. He graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 1965 with a BA in Business Administration in the first graduating class of the new business school.
David worked for John’s Manville, Z Brick, and other building material companies before starting his own home remodeling business that he operated until his retirement. David volunteered and served on the board of directors for the Lutheran Compass Center and also provided his serves to the Millionaires Club. David proudly served his country in the Washington National Guard.
David was an outdoorsman and loved to hike in the Olympic mountain trails with his wife, Judy, and friends. He was former Scoutmaster of Troop 321 and a volunteer at Fire Mountain Boy Scout Camp. David was an Abraham Lincoln history buff and was proud to be born on Lincoln’s birthday.
If you ever shook David’s hand, it was evident that he worked hard serving his family, friends, and community. Many projects have been done over the many years both for customers, family, and friends.
David and Judy have been members of Christ Lutheran/Edmonds Lutheran Church since 1966. David volunteered with Annie’s Kitchen and the church's community garden. He loved working with his hands, being with family and friends, and serving others.
David is survived by his wife Judy, celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary last June; daughters Jennifer Nelson of Tacoma and Jill of Edmonds; son Jeff Nelson (Sherri), Sanford, NC; grandson Nathaniel Nelson (Nike) and great=granddaughter Lakota Lane of Sanford, NC; grandson Eli (Kennedy) of Sanford, NC; step-grandson Shaun McQuery (Lindsay) and step great-granddaughter Addison of Monroe; step grandson Aaron McQuery (Cassie) and step great-grandchildren Rhea and Theo of Fuquay-Varina, NC; brother Will Nelson, Tombstone, AZ and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Preceded in death are his sister Arliss Frederick, brother John Nelson, and nieces Susan Frederick and Mary Beth Woodhouse.
Celebration of Life will be held at Edmonds Lutheran Church on Saturday, February 15, at 11 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to Housing Hope (Housinghope.org or 5830 Evergreen Way, Everett, WA 98203) or Summit Assistance Dogs (summitdogs.org or PO BOX 699, Anacortes, WA 98221).