David Gene Nelson

Haysville - Nelson, David Gene, age 70, passed away Saturday, December 1st, 2018.

David grew up in a rural setting in Southeast Iowa. It was during this time that he developed his practical approach to life. Family concerns came first. Be kind to others. Fix what needs fixed. Collect experiences, not possessions. He was a fabricator by nature. That is clearly manifested in his deeds and his works. There has always been a clear theme in David's life of his desire to breathe life into things that need mending. That could be a car that has plenty of miles left if it just had some replacement parts, or a personal relationship that just needed nurturing.

David embarked on the adventure of his lifetime as a young adult when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. His service took him to half way around the globe as part of the 538th Engineering Batallion when he was stationed at Sattahip (Sought-uh-heap) Army Base in Thailand. After two tours of duty, he returned to his family and friends in Southeast Iowa to start his own family.

Upon his return he found his vocation as a Machinist, after completing his education at Indian Hills Community College. It was during this time that David expounded on his passion for cars and racing. He proudly owned a host of Cutlasses, custom vans, and Corvairs that allowed him to express himself and feed his desire to breathe life into things that needed him.

David lived out the second part of his life in Haysville, KS, a suburb of Wichita. There his family grew to include grandchildren and he became invested in their lives and accomplishments. Here he created a new home for himself and his family. Though he resided here for over 30 years, he staunchly maintained his identity as a proud son of Iowa. He was known to all as happy man with an infectious positive attitude, and laugh that was uniquely his and endeared him to everyone.

He is preceded in death by his father, George David Nelson; first wife; Lamon Nelson. David is survived by his children, James (Pam) Nelson, Angie (Jason) Chadd; Mother, Helen Marie Nelson; grandchildren, Allison, Chloe, Wesley, Blake, Brendon; siblings, Danny (Sharon) Nelson, Patricia (Wayne) Carder, Deb (Wendell) Dorothy, Frank (Lori) Nelson.

A gathering will be held at 11:00AM Wednesday, December 5, 2018, at First Christian Church, 7465 S. Meridian Haysville, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial is with the Kansas Honor Flight Inc. 401 W 1st Ave, Hutchinson, KS 67501. www.SmithFamilyMortuaries.com.