Ernest Ralph Nelson

Ernest Ralph Nelson passed away, Monday evening, August 17, 2009. He was born December 12, 1919 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to the parents of Nels Peter and Lillian Bailey Nelson. He graduated from East High School in 1937. A veteran of WWII, he served in the 8th Air Force as a co-pilot flying heavy bombers in the European Theatre. After the war he met and married his life-long companion Ann Marie Smedley in 1947. He continued his Air Force career through the Reserves, retiring with 30 years and the rank of Lt. Colonel. Ernest received an Associate Degree in Business and retired after 27 years as an accountant for American Oil.

Survived by his two sons; Greg and Barry (Mary Lou); two grandsons, Wade (Mandy) and Doug "DJ"; three great-grandchildren, Chayse, Gage and Auston and two sisters: Bernice Davis and Ruth Ross. Preceded in death by his wife, both parents, two brothers and two sisters.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 21, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Grandview 1st Ward 2930 South 2000 East. A viewing will be held on Thursday evening, August 20, 2009 at Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Friday, August 21, 2009 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at the church prior to services. Interment: Redwood Memorial Estates. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.holbrookmortuary.com