Oliver T. Nephew

1929 - 2015

Oliver T. Nephew

Born: June 21, 1929; in Iowa City, IL

Died: Jan. 16, 2015; in Geneva, IL

Oliver Thomas "OT" Nephew, age 85, of Geneva passed away Friday, January 16, 2015, at Greenfields of Geneva.

He was born June 21, 1929, in Iowa City, Iowa to Harry and Esther Nephew nee Johnson and grew up in Tipton, Iowa.

Oliver is survived by his wife of 62 years, Gloria Nephew nee Romans; three children, Martha (Dr. Michael, COL. US Army Retired) Langford of Middletown, Maryland, Michael of Phoenix, Arizona, and Stanley (Kristie) of St. Charles; four grandchildren, Jason Langford of Middletown, Maryland and Dr. John Langford of Baltimore, Corey Darula and Michael Darula, both of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and six great grandchildren, Calvin, Jared, Sienna, Caden, Avery and Mackenzie.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Lee

He graduated Tipton High School in 1947 and from Iowa State College in 1951 with a BSME in Mechanical Engineering. Commissioned Ensign USNR in 1951 at Iowa State College, served two years on board the Destroyer USS Henley DD762 1952 & 1953.

Received his professional Engineers License from the State of Iowa on Dec 3, 1970.

Mr. Nephew learned the relationship of engineering to manufacturing during his employment in the Adams Division of Letourneau Westinghouse. At Link Belt he designed, tested and got into production the Link Belt YC-18, YC-28, YC-38, and the YC-48 rough terrain cranes. He was also instrumental in design and development of the hydraulic boom and uppers on the HC-200, HC-300 and the HC-400 hydraulic truck cranes. During his time at Link Belt he designed the Hydraulic Power Systems for the first Link Belt Hydraulic Powered Back Hoes. At Clark Equipment Co. He became Chief Engineer - Hydraulic Cranes, responsible for developing two hydraulic rough terrain cranes and four hydraulic truck cranes with capacities of 14 to 100 tons for both the United States and European markets.

After leaving Clark Equipment Co. Mr. Nephew was Chief Engineer-Railroad Products for Pettibone Corp.; Vice President, Teleweld Corp.; Vice President, Swingmaster Corp. and Consultant, Teleweld Corp.

Memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. on February 7th at Geneva Lutheran Church in Geneva where Oliver sung in the choir and was a member for 44 years. Interment will be at Tipton Cemetery in Tipton, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Geneva Lutheran Church, 301 South Third Street, Geneva, Illinois 60134

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit the funeral homes obituary page at www.yursfuneralhomes.com.

For more information, please call Yurs Funeral Home of Geneva, 630-232-7337 or like us on Facebook.