Darron E. Nelson, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, peacefully passed away at his home on August 26 ^th surrounded by his loving family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Susan, children Carrie Eklund (Scott), Byron Nelson (Kay), Brady Nelson (Kristin), and grandchildren Jessica, Haley, Jake, Hannah, Lauren, Kate, and Rex.  Darron was a devoted man of faith who looked to the promises of our Risen Lord.  He was past president of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, had been active on every committee and building program of the church, plus Bible study group and coach of the church's softball team.  Darron was a man of principle, morals, and integrity.  One friend described him as an "honest call them as you see them man!  You never had to guess where Darron was on any subject.  He had a heart of gold, loved his kids and grandkids…and was always there for his friends. We all loved this guy!"

Darron was a phenomenal athlete.  It was with this gift that he received scholarships so that he could afford to attend Grays Harbor Junior College and Western Washington College.  In 1961 he was inducted into the United States Army.  His only assignment was the DMZ Korea.  Because of Darron's athletic prowess he quickly became A and R NCO (Athletic and Recreation, non-commissioned officer).  To relieve the boredom of line duty for the troops Darron created all sorts of sports competition for A Troop, 9 ^th Cav with other units.  Even with this assignment Darron still had to patrol the deadly DMZ. He was on alert during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.  He saw American tanks as far as the eye could see pointed towards North Korea.  When Darron came home he became involved with all of the major sports in the area.  His awards for his efforts are numerous.  Among these were Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Hall of Fame for Plywood Tacoma Basketball National Champions 1971 and 1973,  Manke and Sons 1974  Runner-Up National Fastpitch Champions, Hall of Fame recipient for Fastpitch 1997,  Meritorious Service to the Youth of our State through the Officiating of Football 1998,  and The Golden Whistle Award for 50 years of Service as a Football Official 2018.  When Darron couldn't play a sport he would officiate it, and he did officiate for 52 years in football and basketball.  He had a huge influence on encouraging young men to play the sport right.  In his 52 years as a referee he never had a fight breakout on the field.  His presence of 6'3", 230 pounds, just try me attitude was always imposing.  In 1984 Darron was invited to throw out the first pitch at Cheney Field.  He was introduced as "Darron Nelson, one of Tacoma's finest athletes."

Memorial services will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church at North 14 ^th and Stevens on Thursday, September 1 ^st , 2022 at 11:00 A.M.