Keith Carl Nelson

Keith Carl Nelson, 68, of Longview, Washington, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, at the Portland VA Hospital after a three-year battle with ALS. He was surrounded by his loving wife, JoAnn, and daughter, Amanda.

Keith was born on February 4, 1957, in Yakima, Washington, to Carl Nelson and Marjorie Barton. At the age of 14, he moved to Sacramento, California with his father and later graduated from Del Campo High School in 1975. Following graduation, Keith proudly served in the United States Army for six years. After his military service, he began a trucking career that spanned more than 40 years.

In the early 1980s, Keith met the love of his life, JoAnn Chrest. They were married on August 1, 1981, and spent eight years in Sacramento, where they welcomed their daughter, Amanda. In 1989, the family moved to Longview, Washington. Keith drove truck for Orange Trucking for five years before becoming an owner-operator, a role he continued for another 30 years.

Keith was the kind of person who would help anyone in need, always willing to lend a hand and give the shirt off his back. He was easygoing, quick with a joke, and deeply kind-hearted.

He loved his family most of all and especially cherished his role as a grandpa. He enjoyed spending time with family, riding his motorcycle, traveling, and staying busy, often found tinkering in the garage.

Keith is survived by his wife, JoAnn Nelson; his daughter, Amanda Huebner (Tyson); two grandsons, Shane Rusher and Keith Goodbla; three brothers, Duane Bolin, Stacy Barton (Tammy), and Jesse Barton; his brother-in-law, Bart Chrest (Julie); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ron Nelson.

A celebration of Keith’s life will be held on Saturday, February 28, at 1:00 p.m. at the Kelso/Longview Elks Lodge, 900 Ash Street, Kelso, Washington. Donations in Keith’s memory may be made to the ALS Association or the Paralyzed Veterans of America.