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Page 30 — Shelton-Mason County Journal - Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023
Thomas Eugene Nelson,
102, of Shelton, peacefully
passed away on Saturday,
January 28, 2023. He was
a lifelong Shelton resident
born to Arthur & Gladys
(Booth) Nelson in Shelton
and raised in Kamilche.
Tom was the oldest of three
children. Tom’s love of
fishing and the water began
early. His family lived
on a float house in Little
Skookum Bay. Tom told
stories about watching fish
swim in the bay as he lay on
the floor watching through
a knot hole. He attended Shelton Schools, graduating from
Irene S. Reed in 1939.
Tom enlisted the United States Army Air Force soon after
the beginning of WWII. He spent his time in the military as a
gunnery instructor. Tom met Olive Wright at the USO during
~ his time in Sioux City, Iowa. Tom and Ollie were married
just after midnight January 1, 1946, it was also their shared
birthday.
Tom returned to Washington with his bride after his
military discharge. Tom spent most of his life working as
a shellfish farmer. There are plenty of entertaining stories
about his days on the bay especially when things didn’t
always go according to his plan. Tom was known for his feisty
temper and colorful language. Tom grew up with love for
hunting and fishing. He enjoyed both until late into his life.
Tom made his last trip to British Columbia, Canada to moose
hunt when he was 97 years old. He continued to fish around
Western Washington for a couple years beyond that.
One of the difficulties of living a long life is the loss of most
the"people that shared your history. Tom was preceded in
death by his wife Ollie Nelson (1990), a second wife Harriet
Dewell (2004), his parents of course, sister Jean Petty, and his
brother Tony Nelson, along with so many cousins, nephews,
and friends. Tom is survivedvby his daughters Lynn Nelson
of Shelton, Jayne’ Nelson of Olympia: grandchildren Tad
Wiltman and Albany Nelson.
Tom had a long amazing life doing the things he liked most.
He was a strong believer in living life on his own terms and
enjoying all that he could.
, A celebration of Tom’s life will be held sometime this Spring
2023.
FUNERAL HOMES
Available 24/7 Blandietta
QUality Services "at
Affordabl Pr
----------- C” in”,
Three Generations of Family
FUneral Service Experience
(360) 427—8044
runan ll0MEw°cEATIIII
mccombwagner.’om. 360.426.4803