John Vincent Nelson, 87

John Vincent Nelson was 'peacefully called to heaven' on June 24, 2008.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rose Marie, of Kalispell; daughter, Morna, and Don Gilbert, of Spokane; sons, Alan Nelson of Moses Lake, Wash., and Roger Nelson of Kalispell; two grandsons and five granddaughters; and four great-granddaughters. He also leaves behind George, the family Maltese, who knew him as 'Gampy.' John also has several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters and brother.

John was born Aug. 26, 1920, in Havre to Mary Grace and William T. Nelson. He grew up in the Flathead area, living in Coram, Whitefish and Kalispell.

John joined the CCC in 1937. He enlisted in the Army in December 1939 and served his country in Corregidor, Philippine Islands. John spent 41 months as a POW in a Japanese prison camp.

John worked for 30 years with the Great Northern/Burlington Northern Railway as an accounting clerk. He was a Little League baseball coach, Babe Ruth coach, and umpired American Legion baseball.

John was a member of the United Methodist Church. He served as president of the Clerks Union, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge, VFW, and American Legion, where he served as past commander of the EX-POW — Montana Chapter. John was also past commander of the Defenders of Bataan-Corregidor.

John will be greatly missed. His devotion to his country and legacy of patriotism will not die with him. He may be gone, but he will not be forgotten.

'May we all carry the baton of freedom, that came not free, from heroes like John V. Nelson.'

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, for contributions to be made to the Montana Veterans Home, Columbia Falls or the Shriners Children's Hospital transportation fund. Thank you.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. July 2 at Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish.