Harry Nelson Opel

Harry spent his youth in Marion, Ill. and Jeffersonville, Ind., and graduated from Jeffersonville High School. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in forestry from Purdue University. He entered the USAF in 1980 as an electronics maintenance officer. He attended many civilian and military schools and completed two Master’s degrees. He spent several assignments updating communications equipment on the DEW Line in the Artic areas and in northern European countries. He spent time at both Scott and Langley AFB. Following his Air Force career, he did contracting work for the government.

Harry was intensely patriotic with a deep love of his country. He will be remembered for his hard work, his honesty, his straight-forward manner, logical thinking, and incredible dependability. He was always planning family outings to concerts, lectures, and trips. He helped to establish a postcard club in Hampton and a wine tasting group in Newport News. He enjoyed travel, good food, and spending time with family and friends. He deeply loved his wife Karen, family, friends, his current dog, Pahala, and his deceased dogs, Flip and Tibet.

Harry is survived by his wife of 31 years, Karen Booth Opel; his sister, Susan Opel Rheney and her husband, Clarke Rheney; his brother-in-law, Bruce Walter Booth and his wife, Cassianne Summerlin Booth; his brother-in-law, Jeffrey Peter Booth and his wife, Susan Parsons Booth; his nieces and nephews, Reva Booth O’Hallarn and husband Brendan, Stephen Booth and wife Lynn, Summerlin and Gene O’Hallarn, Caroline, Madelynn, and Kamryn Booth, Alan and Wyatt Booth; his beloved dog, Pahala; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife’s parents, his sister, Lana Louise Zakrzewski, and numerous relatives, friends, and dogs.

The family will receive friends on Friday, Feb. 23 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg. Services with military honors will take place at a future date at the Ft. Myer Chapel in Arlington, VA, with interment in Arlington National Cemetery.

The family expresses deep appreciation for the love and support of family, friends, and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, 175 Bourne Ave., Pooler, GA 31322; the Animal Aid Society, 80 Butler Farm Rd., Hampton, VA 23666; or the American Cancer Society, 11835 Canon Blvd., Suite 102A, Newport News, VA 23606.

Now and forever, love you.