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Nelson Tobey Obituary
He was born Oct. 7, 1916, and was raised in Hampton, N.H.
After graduating from Virginia Military Institute, he married his childhood sweetheart, Beryl Crockford, in 1939.
Col. Tobey served in World War II, earned a master's degree in engineering/rocket science from USC, and completed a 32-year U.S. Army career including assignments in developing missile guidance systems. He retired in 1971. He earned numerous honors including the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
An avid outdoorsman and horseman, he led the Southern Wagon Train across the United States in celebration of the nation's bicentennial in 1976.
The widower of Beryl Tobey, his wife of 61 years, he is survived by three children, Nelson Whitney Tobey Jr., Dr. Marilyn Tobey and Patricia Tobey Chelberg; and one sister, Margaret Barry of Hampton.
He will buried at Arlington National Cemetery with his late wife.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nelson Tobey
Frank Parker
March 3, 2009
On behalf of the VMI Class of 1939 I wish to express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Col. Tobey. I feel so gratified to have been able to visit with him at his home in early February. He was an amazing man.
Ed and Patsy Grannan
February 24, 2009
Our deepest sympathies to the family.
Don and Patsy Veazey
February 24, 2009
Soldier, knightly gentleman and wonderful neighbor. We will miss him and his cheerful manner. To Patricia, Marilyn and Knick we want to express our deepest sympathy.
"Sweet Ole Laurie" Atkinson
February 23, 2009
INDEED; an "Old Soldier!" This passing brings GREAT sadness to my heart. When COL Tobey was in Huntsville (AL), on PERSHING matters, he ALWAYS visited w/my family. He and my wife (Billie) had a CLOSE relationship. She lovingly called him "Curly" because of his flat-top. I remember taking him to get a haircut once (Billie thought a waste of money); my barber-buddy looked at me like, "What's to cut?" But - he took a lil' off the top! It would be WELL worth the effort to get to Arlington just to visit his grave. Blessings..........
Rodger Dana
February 23, 2009
Nels Tobey led the initial field testing of the Pershing Missile System. The Martin Marietta (Pershing Prime Contractor) support team members will always treasure his outstanding leadership and confidence as the US Army Test Director.
Please accept our condolences to his family.
Sadly,
Rodger Dana,
Martin Pershing Tech Rep during the Testing in 1963
Mike Casey
February 23, 2009
Col. Tobey,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your years of dedicated service and sacrifce for our Country when you served in the U.S. Army-especially during WW II when you were with the "Big Red One." And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Frank Geisel
February 23, 2009
The Mesilla Valley Chapter of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) offers its sympathy to COL Tobey's family. He was a true "Old Soldier." God Bless.
Bob and Nina Wills
February 22, 2009
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
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