Joseph A. Nilson

NILSON—Joseph A. Nilson, 78, of Florence, passed away peacefully July 17, 2012, in Coos Bay.

Joe was born Oct. 18, 1933, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the son of Joseph L. and Marguerite (Earnshaw) Nilson. Joe was raised and educated in Salt Lake City. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

He married Carol Jean Simmons on March 21, 1953, at his mother’s home in Salt Lake City.

After the war, he worked as a flight test operations manager during the development of the Minuteman Missiles and later during the development of the B-1 Bomber. Joe and Carol made their home in Lancaster, Calif., for 29 years until retiring and moving to Florence in 2004.

Joe was an active member of the Florence Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son and brother. Joe was a kind, humble man. He loved spending time with his family and friends and he loved the Lord and served him well.

He was an excellent provider and the best husband in the world.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Jean Nilson of Florence; his sons; Michael J. Nilson, Douglas S. Nilson (Alice Rush), Lawrence Ace and Susan Nilson; a daughter, Cynthia R. Sommer; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; a brother, Gayle (and Christina) Nilson; and his sisters, Joyce Stewart and June Hoenicke.

He was preceded in death by two grandsons, Jarom Williams and Cory Ace Nilson.

A service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 23, at the Florence Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2705 Munsel Lake Road in Florence. A visitation will be held at the church from noon to 2 p.m.

Interment will be at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Ore.

Contributions in his memory can be made to the American Cancer Society, 2250 Oakmont Way, #200, Eugene, OR, 97401, or the Alzheimer’s Association 1273 Lincoln St., Eugene, OR, 97401

Arrangements were handeled by Nelson’s Bay Area Mortuary in Coos Bay.

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