Glenn “Gordy” Nelson, 73, died on Nov. 3, 2007 in Hines, Ore.
He was born on Aug. 19, 1934, in Baker City.
Nelson went to school in Baker City, graduating from St. Francis Academy in 1952. He entered the United States Air Force in September of that same year.
Upon completion of his basic training at Parks Air Force Base in California, Nelson served as personnel clerk at Larsen Air Force Base in Washington. In April 1954, he was assigned as administrative clerk with the 1503rd USAF Infirmary, a unit long-noted for its superior performance in handling of air evacuees in the far east. He served with the 1503rd Air Transport Wing, Pacific Division, Military Air Transport Service.
Nelson was selected airman of the month, an award based on morale, leadership, appearance, initiative and application of duty. During the two years he was stationed at Tokyo International Airport, he was an active participant in the intramural sports field and was named all-star shortstop of his league. He was a staff sergeant when he was discharged from the Air Force in September 1956.
In 1957, Nelson married Donna Young. He was employed by Oregon Lumber Company, and Edward Hines Lumber Company as Personnel and Safety Director. When the mill closed, he worked for Western States Equipment until he retired in 1993. In his later years, Nelson worked at the schools as part-time custodian. He made many good friends wherever he was.
Nelson’s grandchildren were the focus of his life. He loved hunting and fishing with his friends and relatives, and he sometimes golfed.
Nelson is survived by his wife, Donna of Hines; children, Deni Casteel, Julie King and husband Jim, and Tony Nelson and wife Beverly. He is also survived by grandchildren, Lindsay, A.J and Cameron Casteel, Connor Sydney and Paige King, and Melissa, Jeff and Jacob Nelson; great-grandchild, Levi Mesa; and brothers, Ron Nelson and wife Edie, and Don Nelson and wife Tina.
Nelson was preceded in death by his father, Glenn “Banty” Nelson; mother, Pearl A. Nelson; and infant grandson, Daniel Joseph Nelson.
Contributions in Nelson’s memory may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Bend or Harney County Home Health Hospice in care of LaFollette’s Chapel P.O. Box 488, Burns, OR 97720.
Used with permission from: The Record Courier, Baker City, Oregon, December 6, 2007
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor