Kermit A. Nelson

Kermit A. Nelson Kermit A. Nelson, retired Lt. Colonel (US Army) died from a cerebral stroke July 28, 2011. He was 85 years old. Growing up in Fargo North Dakota during the depression, Kermit saw his mother and father, Norwegian immigrants, and his 10 brothers and sisters lose the family farm and start a family restaurant. Asserting his drive and independence and out of a concern for his country, he joined the Army, at age 17 to serve in World War II. Instilled with a tireless work ethic, and now a love for the military he was propelled to continue his military service after the war, but not before working as an able seaman on a steamer to return to England where he had been stationed, to bring back his bride, Margaret Nelson. They were married in 1946 in Oundle, England. Margaret died in 2007 after 61 years of marriage. Kermit would go on to serve in the Korean and Vietnam War. He was awarded the Bronze star. Being a veteran of three wars was only a small measure of his service. At the end of a 32 year military career, Kermit had served with great distinction in The Southern Command in Panama, various military posts including, Fort Dix, NJ., Fort Ord, CA., Fort Knox, KY., Fort McClellan, AL., Fort Leonard Wood, MO., Fort Hood, TX., and Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. He also served tours of duty in Thailand and Germany as well as TDY's (temporary tour of duty) too numerous to mention. He was a part of the "Greatest Generation", answering a call for help that would come to extend beyond his country. Whenever he saw he could help, he was there, for family and friends. He loved to golf and could dance you into a great time. He could tease you a little and make you laugh a lot. No friend nor stranger could escape his charm and wit. He helped give us the life we have today, as a proud soldier, devoted father and friend. He was a man of his word, who performed duty with honor, honesty, and valor. September 16th he would have been 86. He is survived by his Son, John and his wife Jackie Nelson of Lutz, Florida; Daughter, Lynne and her husband Jim Halloran of Round Rock, Texas; Son, Bobby and his wife Jayne Nelson of Suwannee, Georgia; Daughter, Laurie and her husband James Anderson of Georgetown, Texas; along with Kermit's Grandchildren, Bridget, Jason, Meggie, Matthew and their mother Mary Lynn Nelson, Melissa, and John; Great-grandchildren, Evan, Ashlyn Grace, Colson, and Braxton. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m., on Sunday, July 31, 2011 at the Gabriels Funeral Chapel & Crematory in Georgetown. Funeral services will be held at noon on Monday, August 1, 2011 in the funeral home. Interment will follow with full military honors at Central TX State Veteran's Cemetery in Killeen. Words of comfort may be shared with the family online at: www.gabrielsfuneral.com.