Glenn Nelson

Glenn Nelson, 82, of Centralia, Washington, was born in Chipley, Florida on October 2, 1932. Glenn attended and graduated from Chipley High School. Glenn was so full of life. When reminiscing about Glenn, family and friends remember his wonderful southern hospitality. He had the ability to make you feel special and always welcome. Glenn loved to tell stories; he particularly enjoyed sharing about growing up in rural Florida and his many travels.

Glenn lived in Florida until he graduated from high school. Then he joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed near Tacoma at McCord Air Force Base. It was there that he met his first love, Jerry Lee Knowles. They married on November 29, 1951, and a son, Thomas Glenn, joined the family. A move to Greenville, South Carolina came after he served in the Korean War. Another son, Daniel Lee and a daughter, Lynn Marie, were added to the family. The Air Force then moved this growing family to Fairbanks, Alaska. It was there that Glenn decided to get out of the military and begin a civilian career.

The family moved to Washington and Glenn began working as a mechanic at Andresen Chrysler Plymouth and joined the Automotive Machinist Union. In 1962, one more daughter, Glenda Sue, was added to the family. After several years Glenn and Jerry decided to open Glenn’s Auto Repair in Kent, Washington. Glenn enjoyed all the friends he made in the community while taking care of their vehicles; he had a natural knack for customer service and he was a great mechanic. People trusted him and knew if he said something was needed it was the truth.

Glenn worked at his shop until 1991 when Jerry passed away from leukemia/lymphoma. Before she passed, however, they were able to take many trips in their motor home around the country. They loved the warmth and the sun; many times they would travel to Panama City Beach. Lots of time was spent at their pool as well. Family and friends were always welcome! If they weren’t on a trip, you could find them camping around Washington State. Glenn loved to fish; when asked about his favorite to fish for, salmon was instantly stated. With Jerry’s death, he no longer wanted to run the shop and he decided to retire. Glenn again traveled the country; he spent a lot of time in Florida visiting with family and enjoying the beach.

As time went on, Glenn was told about a lady he should meet. He was introduced to Evalyn Wink and as they say, “the rest is history!” A soulmate was found that he could share the rest of his life with. Glenn and Evalyn were married on May 2, 1998. What a great time they had fixing up and moving into their Centralia home from Des Moines. It was this move that provided the opportunity to form a meaningful bond with Evalyn’s family; her boys, Cliff, Mike, Jim, and their families all became especially dear to Glenn’s heart. His sense of adventure continued as cruises were taken, a trip to Hawaii, and a trip of a life time to Jamaica for his 80th birthday. Through the travels a love for the warmth and beauty of Arizona grew. A second home was purchased in Yuma and many fun memories are held there.

When the diagnosis of cancer was given, Glenn did everything in his power to beat it. One of his last wishes was to see the ocean one more time. This was made possible in July of 2015. It was a great weekend and the last time he was able to travel. Along with his faithful wife, Evalyn, and daughters, Lynn and Sue, he was cared for at home with Assured Home Health, Hospice & Home care. Glenn passed away on August 5, 2015, surrounded by his family and his faithful, four-legged companion, Misty.

Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, Angus and Angela Nelson, first wife, Jerry, son, Thomas, brother, Harry, who passed away in childhood, sister, Marie, who passed away in infancy, brother-in-law, Jim Foreman, brother, Harvey and his wife, Kitty, sister, Jeannette Baker and her husband, Dave, sister, JoAnne Brackins and her husband, Clinton, sister, Christine, who passed away in infancy, and sister, Sue Holley and her husband, Tommy.

Glenn is survived by his wife, Evalyn, children, Dan (Tina) Nelson, Lynn (John) Markley, Sue (Greg) Watson, Cliff (Heidi) Wink, Mike (Sheila) Wink, and Jim (Vickie) Wink, 16 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and one more great grandson due in December of 2015, sisters, Betty Foreman, and Jennelle (BillyJo) Williams, and brother, Copper (Marilyn) Nelson.

A full, great life filled with memories.

Memorial donations may be made to Assured Home Hospice, 1821 Cooks Hill Rd #200, Centralia, WA 98531, or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

An inurnment service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 24, 2015, at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial Park, 16445 International Blvd S, SeaTac, WA 98188. Arrangements are under the direction of Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S Gold St, Centralia, WA 98531.