Douglas Earl Nelson

Douglas Earl Nelson, 81, of Rigby, passed away at his home June 17, 2024.

Doug was born November 1, 1942, in Renton, Washington, a son of Douglas A Nelson and Earla Gene Underwood Nelson.  He was raised in Renton and graduated from Renton High School in 1961. He joined the Rigby Lions Club in 1991 and was involved to the present time.  He was a member of the Presbyterian church and the Washington National Guard.  Doug married Claudia Jeane Arney on November 30, 1996, in Rigby, Idaho.  He had worked for Boeing in Renton, Washington, Pacific Car and Foundry, Salmon Saw Mill in Salmon, Idaho, Salmon River Dodge dealership as a truck and tractor mechanic, and the City of Rigby where he retired in 2007.

Doug loved going to drag races, rebuilding hot rods, camping, helping his wife fish by baiting the hook cleaning the fish but never actually fishing himself, spending time with his family and tinkering on his Riviera.

Doug is survived by his wife Claudia Nelson of Rigby, Daughters Genie Mathisen, Laurie Nelson both of Renton, WA, sons, Lynn Richards of Grant, Idaho, Brad Richards of L.A., CA, Denny Nelson of Wasilla, Alaska, Zack Nelson of Idaho Falls, ID, step-sons, Omer Yingling of Tucson, Arizona, and Olin Yingling of Orlando, FL, sister Rosemary of Elam, WA, brothers, Louie Nelson of Renton, WA.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, brother Pete Nelson

Memorial services will be held Monday, June 24, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby (101 W. Main St.).  Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com