David Charles Nelson, age 72, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Freeman West Health Center in Joplin, Missouri. He was born December 12, 1953, in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of George and Mary Nelson. Dave grew up in Kansas City. He served for a time with the United States Army. After his military service, he later returned to Kansas City where he worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad for several years. He married the love of his life, Debbie Soverns in 1996 in Kansas City. They later moved to Ft. Scott.

Survivors include his wife, Debbie, of the home; three daughters, Crystal, Kathy, and Marlena; three stepsons, Rob Chris and Toney and several brothers and a sister. Dave was preceded in death by his parents and a stepson, Johnny.

Cremation was handled by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.