Daniel LaVerne Nelson

Daniel LaVerne Nelson, born on May 25, 1968, in Janesville, Wisconsin, died peacefully at home in Copperas Cove, TX on December 27, 2024. He endured a courageous battle with a rare, aggressive cancer. He leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew him. His journey through life was marked by dedication to family, service to his country, and a love for the great outdoors.

Dan grew up in a close-knit family, moving at the age of nine from Janesville, WI to Oregon, where he lived in Klamath Falls and then the Central Point/Medford area. He played football in high school and competed at the state level as a wrestler. Dan graduated from Crater High School in 1986, beginning a remarkable journey that would take him from the timber products mill in Oregon to a fulfilling career in the Army and law enforcement. He served in the ARMY for eight honorable years, beginning at Fort Ord, California, as an Infantryman. While stationed there, he deployed to Panama in support of "Operation Just Cause", where he exhibited outstanding valor, earning the coveted Combat Infantryman Badge in 1989. He reclassified to Military Police in 1994 and was stationed at Fort Hood/Fort Cavazos, Texas, ultimately achieving the rank of Sergeant before his honorable discharge in 1997.

After the Army, Dan sought new challenges and found his way to the Cove Ford Dealership in Copperas Cove, TX working there for 8 years as a Service Advisor and Assistant Service Manager. Yet, his service did not stop there; he returned to law enforcement as a civilian police officer with the Department of the Army and later with the Department of Veteran Affairs Police Services, where he rose to the rank of Deputy Chief of Police. In May 2023, he graduated from the Chief of Police Leadership Development Program in Little Rock, Arkansas, an achievement that underscored his commitment to law enforcement and serving others. He took pride in his career, and was a well respected police officer, mentor, and leader.

Dan's greatest pride and joy, however, were his three daughters—Kasandra (Kasi), Katherine (Katie), and Carlene (Carly). He embraced the role of "Girl Dad" and was a dedicated father, raising his girls with his best friend and wife, Heidi, in the family home they built in Copperas Cove. Their marriage, which began on November 29, 1997, was a testament to love and partnership, creating a nurturing environment that allowed their daughters to thrive. "Living in the now and making memories" was a focus of their last 18 months together, but their marriage before Dan's illness was full of adventures nonetheless. 

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dan found peace and happiness in the great outdoors. Hunting, fishing, camping, boating, and off-roading in his Jeep were not just hobbies but passions that connected him deeply to nature. He felt most at peace during his time at his deer lease in Hico, Texas, where he felt closest to God, surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors. He made many trips to Big Bend National Park in west Texas with siblings, immediate family, friends, and his Jeep Club. An avid fan of the Texas Longhorns and Greenbay Packers, he enjoyed watching football games with his buddies or cheering for his favorite teams at home with Heidi and the girls. He was also a loyal Texas Rangers fan, and even took his family to see them play in the 2010 World Series. Beyond the outdoors and sporting events, Dan enjoyed traveling with Heidi and family to places on their Bucket List like the Grand Canyon, Texas Rangers Spring Training, Nashville, Napa Valley, Pikes Peak, the beaches in Florida, etc. He was always eager to try out new wineries, attend rodeos and listen to live music, or sample some of Texas' best BBQ. 

Dan's strength, warmth, humor, passion for life, and unwavering spirit will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Dan was preceded in death by his mother, Kathleen Joy Nelson, who died March 20, 1995. Dan is survived by his father, David LaVerne Nelson (Medford, OR) and younger siblings Kari Oneslager (Roseburg, OR), Kali Hill (Jacksonville, OR), and Kevin Nelson (Reno, NV), as well as 11 nieces and nephews. He leaves behind his loving wife, Heidi, and his beautiful daughters, Kasandra (Kasi), Katherine (Katie), and Carlene (Carly) who will carry forward his proud legacy and values with immense love and respect.

A visitation with Dan's family will be held on February 10, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Immediately following the visitation, there will be refreshments and a time for remembering Dan at 12:00 PM, with his celebration of life/memorial service to begin at 1:00 PM, all at Crotty Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Belton, TX. After services, family and guests will be escorted by police to his graveside service with military honors at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX. 

In this time of mourning, let us celebrate the life of Daniel LaVerne Nelson, who dedicated his life to service, family, and the pursuits of his heart. His memory will be a guiding light for those who loved him, forever cherished and never forgotten.