Mr. David Paul Nelson of Harrisburg, departed this life on Monday, January 31, 2022, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, at the age of 83.

He was born July 7, 1938 in Wisconsin, the son of Clara Bethge.  He was raised by Marshall and Clara Nelson.

David Joined the Air Force while in High School and finished his schooling in the service.  He spent 15 years in the Air Force and was a Vietnam Veteran.  He retired as a box baler for Smurfit Stone in 2007.  He enjoyed fishing, collecting and selling antiques and old toys.  In addition to his parents, Marshall and Clara Nelson, he was preceded in death by one sister, Arlene, two children, Clara and Kathy, and two granddaughters, Morning Star and BriAnna.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Valerie Burdo Nelson of the home, 7 children, Sandra and husband Joe, Dawn and husband Sam, Robert, Terry, Kathryn and husband Keith, Mike and Susan, 1 brother, Rick Nelson, grandchildren, Rick Morales, Katrina & Tony Perales, Jesse & Amy Gonzales, Joe & Vivianna Gonzales, Nelson Diaz, Jr., Louis Diaz, Sophia Smith, Olga & Diane Sanchez, Rafael Diaz, Henry Diaz, David Salazar & Brenda, Samantha Tillman & Kevin, Monica & Jason Hamilton, Robert Salazar, Jr., Michael Salazar, Harley Lawrence, Savanna Lawrence & Dillon,  Reece Freeman, Ashley & Laurie Nelson and many, many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service with honors is scheduled for Saturday, February 19 ^th , 2:00 p.m., at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at Birdeye.