David L. Nelson

David Lee Nelson’s life began on March 24, 1949 to Robert Lynn and Margaret Mary (Shane) Nelson in Peoria, Illinois. David and his twin sister, Diana, were born 6 weeks early and what a surprise and blessing as only one baby was expected! David grew up in Dowagiac and attended Patrick Hamilton from Kindergarten through 6th grade. As a child he enjoyed the Lions Park playground, Dowagiac Creek and the neighborhood kids, always knowing when the streetlights came on it was time to get home. Summertime also brought fun times at Calm Lake with the Hayes family. Starting 7th-9th grade took him to Dowagiac Central Jr. High which was a short walk from home. David was always an honors student and was chosen to be the narrator of the annual spring musical. Next was 10th-12th grade at Dowagiac Union High. David was on the golf team and graduated with honors with the class of ’67. David worked at the local A&P Grocery Store all through high school and college. He continued his education at SMC graduating in ’69 where he played golf. He transferred to Western getting his degree in ’71. David enjoyed his roommates and living in Kalamazoo. After graduation David worked and lived in Gaylord, MI and South Haven where he was active in the Jaycees and took up photography and taking many beautiful pictures. In 1984 he ended up in Battle Creek, MI and started his career at the Dept. of Defense building as a part of the Defense Logistics Agency. He loved this job earning many awards and making many friends. He retired in 2009. David kept his love for golf going as he played on the Federal Center’s Golf League and in Battle Creek City Leagues accumulating many trophies and awards. David was also a huge Notre Dame fan! Even though David didn’t have any children of his own he dearly loved and was proud of his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. They were very important to him. He always followed their achievements and accomplishments with great pride. David’s loving family include his brother Robert A. (Linda) Nelson; twin sister Diana L. (Steve) Ausra; nephews Bob (Guadalupe) Nelson, Bill (Tina) Nelson, Nathan Weller and Marc (Lori) Weller; nieces Beth (Jim) Frost, Marcy (Sean) Tinkey and Shelly (Bryan) Henry; great-nephews Jeff and Nick Starr, Matthew Nelson, Henry and Cole Weller, Griffin Tinkey and Jake Reeves; great-nieces Ashley (Ryne) Willis, Mara Nelson, Molly Tinkey Maggie Weller, Haley and Emily Henry; great-great-nephew Carter Willis and great-great-niece Baby Girl Willis due in May. David was greeted into the loving arms of his Mom and Dad; sister Marilyn and many relatives and friends that went before him. David suffered with Ankylosing Spondylitis most of his adult life but he never complained and was determined to lead an active and productive life. The family would like everyone to gather at Clark Chapel, 405 Center Street, Dowagiac from 11:00am – 1:00pm on April 21, 2018 for a Celebration of Life gathering. A private burial will take place at a later date. David would have appreciated any donations in his memory directed to the Dowagiac Girls & Boys High School Golf Teams. Those wishing to sign David’s guest book online may do so at www.clarkch.com. Our family loved David with all our hearts and will miss him every day, but we take with great comfort in knowing he is with loved ones and golfing pain free. Go Irish!