Nelson E. Tatlock

1947 - 2023

CW5 Nelson (Ed) E. Tatlock (Ret. U.S. Army) 76 of Hinsdale, IL died on Saturday, December 10, 2023 surrounded by his family. Ed was born to Nelson and Helen Tatlock (Flake) on December 05, 1947, in Seymour, Indiana but spent most of his years in Jeffersonville, Indiana and Frankfort, Kentucky. He was one of 4 children, the only son. Ed grew up in southern Indiana. He went to high school in Jeffersonville, Indiana where he met the love of his life Anna Belle Cox. Ed was very active in athletics. He was a left handed pitcher for his high school as well as the American Legion team. To this day, he still holds the record for the most strikeouts in a single game, 21. After graduation Ed went to Indiana State University. After a period of time at school he decided he wanted to be a pilot and serve our country. He turned down spring training for the Chicago Cubs and an offer to play with the Washington Senators (Minnesota Twins). He enlisted in the United States Army in 1967. Ed served a year in Vietnam as a Cobra helicopter pilot from 8 Dec 1969 thru 8 December 1970. 10 days after returning home from Vietnam he married his sweetheart Anna Belle. He and Anna Belle had 2 children Amy and Andy. In 1981 Ed joined the Kentucky Army National Guard and was also a pilot for the Commonwealth. During his career in the Kentucky Army National Guard he was Commander of the Detachment 11 Operational Support Airlift Command (OSACOM). He was a standardization instructor and instrument pilot on seven fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft: OH-58 Kiowa, UH-1 Huey, AH-1 Cobra, UH-60 Black Hawk, T-42 Cochise, U-21 Ute, and C-12 Huron. He has amassed over 15,000 flight hours during his career. He remained in the KYARNG until his retirement in 2002 where he achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5). He received his Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He has received numerous awards and medals. Most notably the Bronze Star, Kentucky Colonel and Legion of Merit. After hanging up his military boots he flew a private jet for 12 years and flew as a Medevac helicopter pilot. Not ready to fully retire, he also flew the helicopter for the Clark County Sheriff's department.

Aside from being a technical expert in aviation he was a special man to all who knew him. He never met anyone he didn't like. One of his friends recently said, "Ed would give you the shirt off his back and then go buy another and give that to you also". He was generous, kind, thoughtful, and genuine. A true gentleman. He was a mentor, a soldier, patriot, friend, brother, loving husband and the best Papa in the world. He lived his life helping others and wanting nothing in return. There will only ever be one Ed. They broke the mold when they made him. Without a doubt he will be watching and guiding us all from heaven. Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years Anna Belle, daughter Amy (Scott) Madden, son, Andy (Catherine) Tatlock, sisters Joy (Johnnie) Sims, Betty (Leroy) Hughes and grandsons Keegan, Brady, Beckham, Tristan, Chase and beloved dog Bo. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 from 4pm to 8pm at Adolf & Powell Funeral Home, 7000 S Madison St, Willowbrook, IL 60527. Family and friends will meet on Wednesday December 20, 2023 for a 10am funeral service at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Bronswood Cemetery. Arrangements by Brian Powell Funeral Directors of Hinsdale. For more information 630-703-9131 or www.powellfuneraldirectors.com.