David Earl 'Dave' Nelson

Funeral services for David Earl “Dave” Nelson, 64, of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 14, 2023 at Blackgum Harvestime Church in Vian, Oklahoma. Burial will follow at Round Mountain Cemetery in Gore, Oklahoma under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Services, Inc.

Dave was born on January 6, 1959 in Phoenix, Arizona to Lorene (Martin) Nelson and Earl Nelson and passed away on April 10. 2023 in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. He was married to Kathy Kay (Craghead) Nelson on December 28, 1990 in Vian, Oklahoma.

Dave owned and operated a dock and welding service for many years. He was a hard worker at all he did, but the greatest decision he ever made was when he gave his heart to the Lord over 23 years ago. He had a very outgoing and charismatic personality, and he used it for the Lord however he could. He served as a church deacon and loved working in missions. Dave and his wife, Kathy, opened and operated Second Chance Ministries in 2007 where he provided a safe place for drug and alcohol rehabilitation and helped change the lives of many young men. His strong faith and testimony led many to God over the years. He had the biggest heart for people and would help anyone whenever he was needed. His greatest desire was for everyone that he came in contact with to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Through it all, the happiness and core of his life was being surrounded by his family and the times that were spent showering them with his unconditional love.

Survivors are his wife, Kathy of the home; his children, Amber Martin of Louisville, KY,  Dustin Nelson of Warrenburg, MO, Tyler Coles of Okmulgee, OK, Jacqueline Miller and Tate of Tahlequah, OK, and Kynlee Nelson of the home; four grandchildren, Brea Lindsey, Lucca Martin, Davi-Kaye Coles, and Lakelynn Miller; mother, Lorene Nelson of Tahlequah, OK; three sisters, Bea Turner of Peoria, AZ, Mavis Mandziuk of Woodhaven, MI, Terrie Arnold and Nathan of Northfield, NH; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father and two brothers.

Active Pallbearers will be Emery Foster, Shawn Smith, Josh Parrish, Edward Saldena, Chris Cato, Lance Southern, Raymond Agent, and Thomas Gann.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Joe Marshall, Brandon Stites, Charles Stites, and Kyler Arnall.

Viewing will be 10 AM – 8 PM Thursday at Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home in Sallisaw, OK where the family will greet 6 – 8 PM.