Paul Earl Nilson

February 27, 1927 - December 2, 2004

Paul was born, in Billings, Mont., Feb. 27, 1927, to Paul O. and Ruth T. Nilson. He attended school in Billings and graduated from Billings Senior High in 1945. He served in the military from 1 945 to 1 947 and was stationed in Korea. He married Jean Anderson on April 14, 1966. He worked with his father at Paul O. Nilson and Son, at 3 Grand Avenue. The business was originally a gas station and one of the most popular stops in Billings. In addition to gas, they sold beer, bait, pop, etc. Paul and his dad later got out of the gas business and sold insurance, until he retired in 1992.
Paul was active in the American Legion for many years; the recipient of a 50 year membership. He was in the Drum and Bugle Corps and played taps for more than 3,000 military funerals from 1 944 to 1988. He also played at 29 Montana State Legion Conventions and two national Legion Conventions. In 1952, 1953 and 1954 he took 1st Place Senior Bugler in the Montana State Legion Competition. His family will best remember his renditions of "How Dry I Am," "Three Little Fishies," "It Ain't Gonna Rain No More," and to roust us out of bed, "Reville."
Paul loved to play golf. He was a member of the Senior League at Pryor Creek Golf Club. He also bowled on a league at Fireside Lanes. He was member of 59er's square-dancing group. He loved to hunt and fish, especially when the trip involved a float down the Yellowstone. He always caught the first fish and often times the only fish.
He was always full of stories and practical jokes. He lived to love and laugh and we will miss him forever.
Survivors include his wife Jean; daughter Nancy (Dave) Klimper of Billings; grandchildren Kristen, Katie, and Jake Klimper; son Mark (Anne) of Bridgeport, Conn.; grandchildren Hannah, Christopher and Kimberly; son Terry of Billings; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Aileen Anderson of Roberts, Mont.; nieces Amy and Jenny, also of Roberts; and brother-in-law David Anderson and family of Billings.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 7, at the Smith Downtown Chapel, with military rites and interment to follow at Mountview Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Yellowstone Post #4, American Legion, 1540 Broadwater Ave., Billings, MT 59102 or a charity of choice.