William Elwood Nelson, 89

William Elwood Nelson, 89, passed away on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11, 2008, at his home in Eureka, surrounded by his family. He was born Aug. 19, 1918, in Quincy, Kan., to Isaac A. and Henrietta E. (Rhoades) Nelson.

Bill served his country in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during World War II as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He was a teacher/educator who taught children, as well as managers and leaders in the aerospace and public safety fields. His career took the family to many parts of the country, including Illinois, Indiana, California, New Mexico, Wyoming and Montana.

Bill was an open and gregarious man who will be remembered for his devotion to family, dedication to country and love of life ... often expressed through song, humor and dance. He was a loving father and a friend to all.

He was a devoted husband to his wife of more than 60 years, Betty Jane, who preceded him in death by one year. Also preceding him in death was his brother, Charles Issac Nelson.

He is survived by four daughters, Nancy Nelson and husband, Michael Lawson, of Concord, Mass.; Judy Nelson and husband, Edward Penttila, of Eureka; Patricia Anderson and husband, Bruce, of Woodinville, Wash.; and Debra Armstrong and husband, Johnny, of Eureka; and five grandchildren, John, Robert, Sarah, Catherine and Brendan.

A Mass of Christian burial for William Elwood Nelson will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 15, in the Eureka Catholic Church in Eureka. Committal will be next to his wife in the Tobacco Valley Cemetery in Eureka.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for William's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign William's guest book.