David Jennings Nelson

David Jennings Nelson, 79, of Ridgeway, Missouri, entered God's gates of glory on March 10, 2026, guided by the loving words of wisdom from his two sons for his journey via telephone, while his daughter and loving wife stood by his side to provide the love and support needed for him to meet Jesus.

David was born on April 8, 1946, in Gary, Indiana, to Harvey Nelson and Margaret (Jennings) Nelson, Dave grew up surrounded by a large and loving family (He was 1 of 10 kids) and they played a vital role in shaping the man he would become. David's father passed away when he was 10 years old, and he was raised by his mother and older siblings. His early childhood years were spent in Indiana, and then his mom decided to move the family back to Rosendale, Missouri to start his junior high years. Dave graduated from North Andrew High School in Rosendale, MO as a member of the Class of 1964. He was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and track at North Andrew.

After graduation, David went on to build a life defined by hard work, devotion to family, and a warmth that drew people to him wherever he went. Over the years, David worked a variety of jobs, as he was no stranger to hard work or to being willing to do whatever was necessary for his family. David worked in the steel mills in Indiana, and when he moved to Missouri, he got into Autobody Repair, even owning his own shop in Savannah, Missouri. He also worked in the body shop at Interstate Ford in St. Joseph, Missouri. David worked for Sinkhorn Tree Trimming and Land Clearing when he first moved to Eagleville and then he went back to Autobody Repair work at Pettijohn's Auto Center in Bethany, Missouri, before his retirement in 2008.

Dave always took pride in his craft and in doing a job well, but anyone who knew Dave understood that his real life's work was being a dad and a grandpa. He gave everything he had for his children, always willing to sacrifice and put their needs above his own. That selfless devotion was, without question, his proudest achievement in life.

On April 25, 1992, Dave married Vonda Skinner, in Bethany, Missouri. Together they built a life full of laughter, family gatherings, and the kind of love that holds a family together through every season. The kind of love that fully exemplified their wedding vows: "I Promise to Love and to Cherish, in Sickness and in Health, to Honor and Obey, until Death us do part."

Dave was a man who loved to talk, and he never met a stranger. He had a great sense of humor and a gift for making people feel welcome. He was an avid sportsman in every sense of the word. He loved hunting, fishing, and playing sports, and he was a walking encyclopedia of game stats and play-by-play commentary. He followed his children passionately through all of their sporting events, from fastpitch softball to football, cheering louder than anyone in the stands. David and Vonda enjoyed their time cheering on their Kansas City Chiefs! Later in life, he discovered a tender love for cats, who became his faithful companions. Dave was also an excellent cook who took real joy in preparing meals for the people he loved.

Strength, endurance, and resilience defined Dave's character. He was a man of great faith and a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, and he worked to instill a biblical foundation in each of his children. That faith carried him through life's challenges and gave him a steady anchor through every storm.

David is survived by his wife, Vonda (Skinner) Nelson; his children, Donovan Nelson (Glynis), Dava Laxton (Jason), Dalton Nelson (Alyssa), and Shelly Velchek; his grandchildren: Brighton, Rigley, Adleigh, and Ephram Nelson; Bo, and Josie Laxton; his siblings, Bonnie Wright, Gene Nelson, and Jenny Lou Hayes; mother-in-law, Carol Skinner; Brother-in-laws: Shawn Skinner (Jami) & family: Jeff, Zack, Kenai & Kalista; Shane Skinner (Deb) & Sammy; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Margaret Nelson; his brothers, Donald, James, Daniel, and Theodore Nelson; his sisters, Zelpha Kay Buchanan and Margaret "Peggy" Wright; and his father-in-law Samuel K. Skinner.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, March 27 Eagleville Community Christian Church, Eagleville, MO. Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 28 at the Eagleville Community Christian Church, Eagleville, MO under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Eagleville, MO. Inurnment will follow in Masonic Cemetery, Eagleville, MO. Lunch and fellowship will follow at the Eagleville Community Christian Church. Memorials may be made to Harrison County Hospice and/or the Eagleville Masonic Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Eagleville, MO 64442. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.

Dave lived his life by the words of Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." He carried that courage with him every day, and he leaves it now as a gift to all who loved him.