John M. Nelson

John M. Nelson FARR WEST - John Madison Nelson, 86, beloved father, grandfather and husband passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2009 from causes incident to age. He was born May 16, 1922 in Malverne Springs, Arkansas, a son of James Madison and Ada Belle Yarborough Swink Nelson. He was the youngest of 11 children. He had two brothers, Ellis Cecil Nelson, Norman Nelson and eight stepbrothers and sisters; William Lee Swink, James Alexander Swink, Theodore Swink, Thomas Ardean Swink, Della May Swink, Haskell Jesse Swink, Belton Swink and Moselle Marie Swink. His father passed away when he was young, so to help his family he left home and joined the military. John entered the U.S. Air Force on July 20, 1943 and served as a tail gunner on B-19’s and B-24’s during WWII. He was wounded, but went on to serve our country in two more wars - the Korean War as a mechanic and the Vietnam War in civil service. He received many commendations and retired from the military after 20 years of service. He then continued to serve our country in a civilian capacity until he retired. On July 11, 1951, he married Fern Patterson. (They were later divorced.) They traveled all over the world while he was in the Air Force and had three children Shila Fern (Craig) Weese, Alicia Kay (David) Murphy, and John Michael Nelson; 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. John married Margaret Schroader on September 16, 1978. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings over the years, including a Branch President in Bismarck, North Dakota. John was also involved in the Roy Kiwanis Club, holding many positions including president. He enjoyed bowling, golfing and fishing. He is survived by his wife Margaret Nelson, former wife Fern Nelson, his three children and six step-children. He was preceded in death by all but his brother, Ellis Cecil Nelson. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Westwood Ward Chapel, 2123 North 2000 West in Farr West. Friends may call at the Ward Chapel on Saturday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 North Fairfield Road. Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free. I’m following the path God has laid you see. I took His hand when I heard Him call. I turned my back and left it all. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and peace to thee, God wanted me now, He set me free. We love you Dad. Funeral Directors, Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary. Send condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com