Darrel Wayne Nelson

Darrel (Wayne) Nelson, age 88, was born on July 5, 1938, in Longview, Washington, and passed away on September 30, 2026, at St. John's Hospital in Longview, Washington. He grew up in nearby Castle Rock. Wayne served in the U.S. Army Reserves before earning a degree in Education from Central Washington State College. His teaching career began in Prescott, Washington. In 1964 Wayne married Sandra (Snookie) Becker. They moved to Kalama, Washington, in 1968. He dedicated many years to teaching at St. Helen's Elementary School in Longview, and retired in 1993. On November 20, 1976, Wayne married Linda (Phillips) Fisher. For nearly 50 years they lived on a small farm near Rainier, Oregon. A country boy at heart, Wayne enjoyed gardening, raising animals, and planting trees. He loved his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Family visits and gatherings at the farm were cherished, happy times for him. Wayne is survived by his wife Linda Rae Nelson, sister Ardis Johnson, and brother Tom Nelson. He was preceded in death by his siblings Anne Shannon, Doris Bonnell, and John Nelson. He is also survived by four children: Stanley Brian Nelson (Betsy Clayton), Beth Ann Nelson, Amy Lynn Coleman (Ken Coleman), and David Andrew Fisher (Heather Fisher); four grandchildren: Junco Nelson (Quinn Gardner), Kelly Strickland, Jack Strickland, and Addisen Fisher; as well as many nieces and nephews. Wayne's love of nature was evidentthroughout his life. He had a special passion for dahlias, oak trees, birds, honeybees, and honey. He was an active member of Willapa Hills Audubon. Some of his happiest moments in retirement were spent volunteering for NOAA, while assisting with a study of pelagic birds at North Head Lighthouse. For many years, he was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Clatskanie, Oregon, and the Fern Hill Grange in Rainier, Oregon.