Gary Eddy Nelson

Gary E. Nelson passed away peacefully on Sept. 6, 2025 at the age of 86. He was proud of being the oldest living Nelson. He had a life full of accomplishments.

Gary was born August 2, 1939 to Albert and Oretta (Lusk) Nelson. He joined brother Dale at home. Later sister Joan and brothers Rodney and Rick were born.

Gary spent his entire life in the Doty-Dryad area. The exception being 2 years spent in the army in Colorado. If he had to leave, he came home to visit, as fast as he could, over the mountains, winter snow, bald tires and all.

He started his working career with John Zock Logging and later Weyerhaeuser Pe Ell where he worked 46 years. He spent many years falling old growth timber and training young men to fall trees. Gary retired from operating the road grader, many winter days starting at 3 am to clear logging roads of snow.

His favorite times were spent on his farm he loved. He always tried to be the first to cut hay in the spring and had excellent quality. He raised beef cattle and had many loyal customers for years. They said his beef was always the best and would order a year ahead. They were very sorry when he began to downsize and stopped raising beef. He was a John Deere fan all the way and would have no other tractor.

He married Chris Arnold and they had daughter Cyndi. He later married Merrie Lee Schiminesky. They were together 44 years. They worked well together, building a home, saving a sagging barn and running the farm.

He is survived by wife Merrie, daughter Cyndi, grandson Levi, sister Joan Johnson, brother and sister-in-law Rick and Suzanne Nelson, sister-in-law Joyce Nelson and   many other family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Dale and Rodney and grandson Jordan.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Doty-Dryad Fire Department.

There will be a graveside service at the Dryad Cemetery on Sept. 27, 2025 at 11 AM with a gathering to follow at the Doty Fire Hall. You may bring a dish to share if you like.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary Eddy Nelson, please visit our floral store.