Richard Whittier Nelson

Richard Whittier Nelson, Lt. Col., USAF retired, died August 9, 2019 at the age of 93. He was an eight year resident at the Arkansas Veterans Home at Fayetteville. Richard was born June 3, 1926, in Moline, Illinois, and grew up in Davenport, Iowa with his mother, aunt, brother and sister. He enlisted in the V12 Navy College Training Program, March 25, 1944. He went on to attend the U. S. Military Academy West Point, and graduated Class of 1950. Following graduation, he chose the Army Air Force and became a pilot, flying during Korea and Vietnam. Richard proudly served 20 1/2 years from WWII and Korea and retired November 30, 1968 as a pilot in Vietnam. During his service, he completed his MS in Electrical Engineering, 1959 at the Air University, Institute of Technology and his MBA, 1961, Graduate School of Business, University of Chicago. He achieved the rank of Lt. Col USAF. Richard married Wilma in June 1970, and they lived in Kansas City. Shortly after moving to Bella Vista in the 1980's, she succumbed to cancer. Richard remained in NW Arkansas in Bella Vista, Rogers and Fayetteville. He was a decades long volunteer at the VA Hospital, Fayetteville, bringing donuts and coffee and interacting with countless visitors. He was a loving and giving man, who gave of himself to a fault. He played Lacrosse at West Point, was a scratch golfer, loved telling stories and spending time with friends. Richard is survived by two nephews; one niece; one great-nephew; one great-niece; and one great-great-nephew. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 24, 2019 at Beard's Chapel. His cremains will be inurned at the Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com