David Lane Chelgren

David Lane Chelgren of Green Cove Springs, Florida passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on June 27, 2025, after a battle with cancer. David was a beloved husband of Lora for 55 years, and a loving father to David Allen and Stephen. He was also a generous father-in-law to David Allen’s wife Kim, a devoted grandfather to Hannah and friend to Stephen’s fiancé Heather. He is survived by his brother Kirby, sister-in-law Beverly, nephew Allen, niece Sarah, niece Kathy and mother-in-law Emma Gene Farley. He was preceded in death by his parents Allen William Chelgren and Kathaleen Carlton Chelgren.

David Lane Chelgren was born on May 26th,1947 in Hazard, Kentucky. After graduating from Hazard High School and completing four years at Cumberland College, he enlisted in the Navy. David was in the Navy from October 1969 to October 1975. He served during the Vietnam War and was Honorably Discharged after his six years of active duty service. He received a Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal and a Vietnam Service Medal. His last duty station was in Mayport. Upon his release from the Navy, David moved to Palm Valley where he began a career in construction. He owned the C & C Construction company for 18 years. After that, he was a building superintendent for ICI Homes for 7 years. He was a St. Johns County building inspector at the time of his passing.

Throughout his life, David was a devout Christian growing up in the Baptist Church. He was a Deacon, Sunday school teacher, and music leader at the Palm Valley Baptist Church. David and Lora moved to Green Cove Springs in the early 2000s. David attended Harbor Baptist Church where he sang in the choir and also with the Harbor Baptist Singers.

David had many musical talents, to include, playing the guitar, piano, and banjo. He was a member of the First Coast Bluegrass Band. He very much enjoyed cooking for family and friends.

David was dependable, hardworking and honest all of his life. A dedicated family man, he was loved and admired by family and friends alike.

A Memorial Service will be held at Harbor Baptist Church, 1120 Clay St at Highway 17, Fleming Island FL 32003, on July 26th, 2025 at 2pm. Visitation will be between 1pm and 2 pm, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either Harbor Baptist Church, Community Hospice and Palliative Care, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.