Nelson started his Air Force career in World War II as a navigator-bombardier. After arriving in Europe in late 1944, and because of his radar expertise and training, he was assigned to the lead airplane on all 8th Air Force bombing missions during the final months of World War II.
After his career in the Air Force, Nelson started a construction and management business, wherein he built dozens of multi-family housing units and managed their operations. In 1989 he “re-retired” to Florida.
Throughout his life, Nelson was active, interested, and involved in many things including computers, stargazing, politics, traveling, golf, photography, good food, and good movies. He was a private pilot and frequently flew the family in his single-engine Cesena 172’s to destination vacation spots.
His interest in a variety of subjects made him a wonderful conversationalist and his family and friends will remember his deep, meaningful conversations and spirited chatters dearly. Nelson was truly “young at heart.”
In his later years, Nelson remained active and in peak physical condition, swimming laps and lifting weights. He lived an honorable, distinguished, and orderly life and was a good friend to so many. He will be remembered best, however, for his endless love, care, and compassion.
Nelson is survived by his wife Betty Jean Kasten; children, Nelson Stuart Kasten, David Fletcher Kasten, Daniel Aaron Kasten, Pamela Sue Norris, Patricia Ann Williams, and Tina Louise Perdue; grandchildren, David Kasten Jr., Andrew Kasten, Michael Kasten, Julian Kasten, and James Kasten; great-grandchildren, Gabriela “Ella” Kasten, Benjamin “JB” Kasten, Nathaniel “Nat” Stuart Kasten.
Memorial Gathering will be from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 15th, 2021. There will be a 1:00 pm Remembrance by son, Dan Kasten followed by military honors in chapel.
Placement in the cemetery will be private.
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