David Nelson

David (Dave) Lynn Nelson,69, passed away peacefully at home January 27, 2022. He was born July 15, 1952, in Roswell, New Mexico, to Marinelle Johnson and Donald W. Smith. He is survived by daughter Candice Collins (husband Ronnie); sister, Suellen Christensen (husband Tex); grandchildren Robert Paul Collins and Cadence Gail Collins, niece, Twyla Pyle-Butler  (husband Shawn) great nieces and nephews, Madison Buckner, Gregory Taylor, McKenzie Taylor, Devan Butler, Tatum Paris, cousin Marshall Peebles, Uncle Lester Smith as well as other cousins, and great nieces and nephews.
Dave was preceded in death by his mother Marinelle Johnson Nelson; stepfather Curtis W. (Buddy) Nelson, and his niece, Kodi Paris Buckner.
Dave served in the United States Army, did a tour of duty in Korea, and was honorably discharged. He then pursued his love of rodeo, by riding bareback and saddle bronc and was a member of the PRCA. His trade was leather tooling and carpentry. He made many custom saddles, other works in leather and worked all over the Ruidoso Valley.
Celebration of Life will be held sometime in the future.