David G. Nelson

RICHMOND, Ind. - David G. Nelson, age 97, of Richmond, died Saturday, March 23, 2013, at Friends Fellowship Community. Born July 15, 1915, to Thomas and Elsie Badger Nelson of Lawrence, Massachusetts, he graduated from Lawrence High School, the youngest in his class having skipped two grades in elementary school. Due to his youth, he worked a year before putting himself through Clarkson College in Potsdam, New York. There he served as the Managing Editor of 'The Integrator', the college newspaper; was manager of the ice hockey team, as he was a good skater but just not as big as most of the Canadians on the team; and was 'tapped' into the prestigious Phalanx Society by the previous senior class, the highest honor that could be conferred upon a Clarkson undergraduate. David graduated Cum Laude in 1937 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was immediately hired by ALCOA and moved to New Kensington, Pennsylvania. It was there where he would meet Jane Elizabeth Stillwagon and they would marry in 1943. A son, Quentin, named for David's brother who was killed in W.W. II, was born to them in 1945. His son died in 2007. In 1947, the Closure Plant of ALCOA, moved to Richmond, Indiana, taking with them many of their key employees from New Kensington. It was here where David was promoted to the position of Chief Engineer. A daughter, Deborah Jane, (now Mrs. James D. Harlan), was born to them in 1951. While residing in Richmond, David was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, Toastmasters Club, and Rotary Club and helped to get Junior Achievement launched in Richmond. He was a member of many other organizations as well. In 1967, he transferred to ALCOA's Chicago, Illinois plant and a year later transferred to the Main Office of ALCOA, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. One of his main positions there was the design and construction of a closure plant in Worms, Germany. In 1976, David retired from ALCOA, and he and his wife returned to spend their retirement years in Richmond. Their retirement years were spent traveling to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, and Northern Africa, as well as Canada, Mexico, and all over the U.S. David enjoyed tennis and golf, but most of all, playing bridge in various groups and clubs, and his last bridge group which he played with until his death, 'The Richmond Chowder and Marching Society,' founded in 1964. His wonderful smile, sense of humor, and spirit will be missed by all who knew him, but most of all by his family who loved him dearly. Survivors include his daughter, Deborah (Jim) Harlan of Richmond; grandson, Adam (Tanya) Forrest; granddaughter, Mary Nelson Harlan of Zionsville, Indiana; daughter-in-law, Sally Gray Nelson of Saratoga, California; and three great-grandsons, Payne David, Cooper James, and Quentin Charles Forrest, all of Richmond. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Jane Elizabeth Stillwagon Nelson, who died October 26, 2012, and son, Quentin Rolf Nelson. A 'Celebration of David's Life' will be held on Sunday, April 28, 2013, in the Community Room at Friends Fellowship Community, 2030 Chester Blvd., Richmond. Arrangements are being handled by Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wayne County Historical Museum, 1150 North A Street, Richmond, IN 47374; Wayne County Foundation, for the Nelson-Forrest Families Fund, 33 South 7th Street, Suite 1, Richmond, IN 47374; or First Presbyterian Church, 100 North 10th Street, Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

David G. Nelson

July 15, 1915 - March 23, 2013