Elon Carl Nash

Elon Carl Nash passed away peacefully on January 8, 2015 in Austin, Texas, at age 95 years. Beloved and devoted husband of 66 years to the late Bobbie Lee Hicks Nash and father of James, David, and Donald, he also leaves behind grandchildren Joshua, Lenna, Julia, Evelyn, Andrea, Benjamin, and Zachary, and great-grandchildren Carter, Hayden, Nicolette, and Greyson.

Elon was born October 14, 1919, in the small community of Possumneck near West, Mississippi to Marvin and Mary Nash. He lived on several farms in this area where his parents sharecropped until he dropped out of school to work in the Civilian Conservation Corp to supplement his family’s income. When his dad died in 1941, Elon became a gasoline truck driver to support his family. After a frightening accident, he decided to enlist in the Army Air Corp. Based on his aptitude for mechanics, Elon was sent to an aircraft and engine school, and then on to air gunnery school.

After graduating, Elon was sent to the World War II European arena. First stationed in Italy and later in England, he flew 30 combat missions as a top turret gunner on a B-24. His plane was often hit by anti-aircraft fire, and on his last mission, two of the engines were shot out and one of the landing gear. All of the crew bailed out, except for the pilot, co-pilot, Elon and an injured bombardier. The plane crash-landed, and Elon broke his back. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Air Medals, and the Army Commendation Medal.

Elon met Bobbie Hicks in Durant, Mississippi, and they married after she graduated from high school. Soon, 2 sons were born. For the next 16 years, the family lived in numerous cities in the U.S., in addition to a memorable assignment in Germany for 3 years. Elon participated in the Berlin Airlift and served in Korea. After 22 years of service, Elon retired as a Chief Master Sargent, the highest non-commissioned rank. Then the family, including a new baby boy, moved to Austin in 1965 and Elon became the Military Property Custodian for the University of Texas Army and Air Force ROTC.

Elon had many interests throughout his adult life. He was a semi-pro bowler in the early 1960’s, even winning a state tournament. When his boys were growing up, he loved to deer hunt and fish. A favorite annual event was the July 4th fish fry in the backyard for family and friends. In the early 1970’s, Elon purchased 25 acres near Kyle, Texas. He spent many hours there each week gardening 2-3 acres. When the CB radio craze hit in the late 1970’s, Elon was all in. He and his CB buddies met several times a day for coffee at The Big Wheel. Later in life, Elon became active in the South Austin Church of the Nazarene, hosting bible studies and enjoying the warmth of the church community. He and Bobbie were big Southern Gospel music fans. They often traveled to concerts with their dear friends until Bobbie had her stroke in 2000.

We remember Elon as a caring husband, father, and friend. We were inspired by Elon’s devotion to Bobbie and love for his family. Elon relished time with his grandchildren, whether treasure hunting with a metal detector, fishing at his tank, making cornbread stuffing, or raising a garden of broccoli and spinach. Elon taught most of his grandchildren (and many of their friends) to drive. He would take them to the farm to drive his truck to their hearts’ delight, despite frequent tire damage from mesquite thorns! After he sold the farm, Elon focused on his home garden. We have fond memories of his amazing Sunday pot roast dinners with cream potatoes and fresh butter beans.

The family would like to thank the South Austin Church of the Nazarene, Elmcroft and South Austin Assisted Living for their love and support.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M., Saturday, January 24, 2015 at South Austin Church of the Nazarene, 6711 Manchaca Road. Funeral Services will follow at 2:00 P.M., Sr. Pastor Randall Wyles officiating. Interment will be at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like contributions to be made in Elon’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org.