DAVID A. NELSON

02/15/61 - 07/24/25

NELSON

David A. Nelson of McKinney, Texas, unexpectedly passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 64. He was born on February 15, 1961, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to his loving parents Richard Duane Nelson and Dorothy Maria (Schlecht) Nelson.

David grew up in Lovell, Wyoming, and attended Lovell High School. A man of integrity and ambition, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and later a Master of Business Administration from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, California.

On July 21, 1984, David married the love of his life, Renee (Shute) in South Lake Tahoe, California. Together, they built a strong, adventure-loving, faith-centered family and shared over four decades of unwavering love and friendship. They had just celebrated their 41st anniversary.

David proudly served his country for 8 years in the United States Air Force. He completed pilot training at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma. He was stationed at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, California and Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was able to travel to many places around the world while serving his country. His distinguished service flying in support of combat operations in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm earned him an Air Medal.

In 1991, David transitioned to a 34-year career as a commercial airline pilot with American Airlines. A distinguished aviator, he became a Captain of the Boeing 737 and earned the respect and admiration of his peers.

David was a devoted Christian. His commitment to community service was evident in all that he did, he was always willing to lend a helping hand. He loved sharing his love of Christ with others and he never met a stranger. He was a generous man who was quick to make others laugh and found joy in all he did.

He was a loyal friend, a profoundly devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud “Bampa”. His kindness, care, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.....

“Hey Man”, he had a wicked sense of humor, he was warm, fun loving, and he was “Groovy, Baby”. He was multi-lingual, speaking fluent Z-Guyeezz. He'd mix you a drink that'll “double the flavuhh”. Always ready to “Shake and Bake”. He lived his life turned up to 11. Rock on!

David is survived by his beloved wife, Renee Nelson of McKinney, Texas; three children, Kylie Selz (Chet) of Texas, Eric Nelson (Molly) of St. Louis, Missouri, and Niki Karlis (Brandon) of Texas; and one cherished granddaughter, Lily Selz of Texas. He is also survived by his siblings, Stuart Nelson (Kathy and family) of Wheatland, Wyoming, Patricia Nelson (and family) of Oxford, Mississippi, and Susan Green (Brian and family) of Lovell, Wyoming; as well as his aunt, Marilyn Harbuck of Arizona and a full extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents Rich and Dorothy Nelson and his niece, Kayla Green.

David's legacy of love, service, and laughter lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, neighbors, and -- up in the clear skies.

A funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.