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Darval H. Nelson Eagar, AZ QCWA # 29848 Chapter 16 |
Darval Harris Nelson was born in Pima January 9, 1927, the son of Nathan Harris Nelson and LaVona Lines Nelson. His family moved to the Phoenix area, where he spent his growing up years. He passed away Tuesday, June 25, 2019 in Eagar.
As teens, Darval and his older brother Terry were given an old radio by their grandparents, which started their life-long hobby and careers in radio & electronics. Before graduating from North Phoenix High School in 1944, he enlisted in the Navy, leaving the fall after graduation. He was first in his class at Radar/Sonar School until he had to spend a bout in sick bay, then finished 2nd in class. He served mainly on Destroyer Escort USS Pratt DE-363. He completed his enlistment in San Diego in 1946, assigned to De-Commission Duty of several ships.
Returning to Phoenix, he met Edna Hazel Angle while attending Phoenix College. They were married and lived in Phoenix until 1956. After moving to Tucson, he worked for Melpar and later Hughes Aircraft, Missile Systems Group.
The family took regular camping trips to the White Mountains and many excursions to Mexico. Darval began running at age 40 and completed 23 marathons over 30 years.
After retiring, Darval and Edna moved to Eagar. They served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in San Antonio, spending most of their time in Eagle Pass. Returning home from their mission, Darval & Edna enjoyed their years in Round Valley with family and friends and served several years in the Snowflake Temple.
Darval, an avid HAM Radio Operator, W7KNA, gave regular Radio & Science presentations at Round Valley schools. During his travels with Edna, he was known to shoot an antenna into a treetop, and then work freighters in the Pacific as well as friends around the world.
Darval is survived by three children, Dee Ann Gardner, Randy (Nyla) Nelson and Janise (Addison) Everett and sister, Joyce Paschal.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna and two sons, Darval Harris Nelson, Jr. and Mark Arnn Nelson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Round Valley Schools Science Department payable through the Round Valley School District.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, July 6, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Eagar Stake Center, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow the funeral services at the Eagar Cemetery.
