Daniel Harris Nelson

Daniel Harris Nelson was born on June 18, 1962 in Garden Grove, California to his parents Arthur George and Sarah Elizabeth (Atkinson) Nelson Marmolejo.  He walked into the forest on May 19, 2021 in Beckley, West Virginia due to the unforeseen circumstances of Covid-19 at the age 58.

Dan was preceded in death by his father Arthur George Nelson; sister Sheila Harding; mother and father-in-law Carol and Franklin Perdue; brother-in-law William C. Perdue; and his sisters-in-law Genon Nelson and Jessica Nelson.

Dan leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 26 years, Laura Katherine (Perdue) Nelson; daughter Deanna Nelson and her companion Joe Loeffler; son Nathan Nelson; son Matthew Nelson; grandchildren Jacob and Dakota Loeffler; mother Sarah Elizabeth (Gavin) Marmolejo; sister Cynthia (Larry) Atkinson; brother Sam Nelson; sister Janice Nelson; sister Betty Nelson; brother Walter (Tara) Smith; sister Jenny (Jimmy) Dubois; Michael (Mayra) Marmolejo; and many extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Dan was known by many as “Dan-the-man.”  He worked for 16 years at Inn-n-Out Burger in California and also 16 years at Patty’s in Beckley, WV.  It was during these years that he met and became friends with so many.  He enjoyed bowling in leagues in California and West Virginia and loved to gamble.  His dream vacation was to visit Las Vegas to play roulette. 

His true passions in life were his children and grandchildren.  He could be found fishing with his family at Little Beaver where he found solitude.

A memorial service celebrating Dan’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 6:00 pm.  The family will receive friends one hour prior.  Words of comfort may be offered to the family by visiting www.meltonmortuary.com  Melton Mortuary and Cremation Center has been entrusted with cremation arrangements and are honored to serve the family.

He walked into the forest in the dark hours of the morning.

He trod upon a new path nature all around.

We weep because we miss him, but, his adventure lies before him

Go boldly into the forest, eternity bound.

Written 5/28/2021 by Laura Nelson for her beloved husband Dan Nelson

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