Nelson Geist

December 17, 1919 - November 28, 2012

Nelson Harland Geist Born December 17, 1919 Deceased November 28, 2012 Nelson Harland Geist was born in Wapanucka, Oklahoma on December 17th, 1919, to Nelson Elsworth and Levita (Drake) Geist. He is survived by his wife Mildred E. (Boland) Geist, two children; Patricia Ray Dodini and John Nelson Geist, two grandchildren; David Dodini and Christine Hudson; five great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. Nelson was preceded in death by his daughter, Paula Elaine and two grandsons, Phillip Nelson Dodini and John Lee Geist. Nelson resided in Wapanucka until 1936 when his father, a station master for the Kansas, Oklahoma and Gulf (KO&G) Railroad, died suddenly. Required to assist and provide for his infirmed mother he left school and worked in the local area farming. As many men, wanting to find some financial security for themselves, in 1939 he enlisted in the U. S. Army. Initially stationed in Wyoming, in 1940 his unit was reassigned to Dutch Harbor, Alaska for infantry and fire suppression training. Like all Americans he was caught up in World War II when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Dutch Harbor, Alaska the northern most outpost for the USA, was attacked on June 6th, 1942, by a convoy of the Japanese Army and Navy. In 1943, following the Alaska Campaign, his unit was deployed to Fort Lewis, Washington for assignment to the Pacific. While returning to Ft. Lewis on leave he met his bride to be, Mildred E. Boland, who was also in route to Seattle to work in the Boeing Aircraft Plant building aircraft for the war effort. They married October 9th, 1943, and celebrated 69 years of marriage. Having survived the Pacific Campaign of WWII, where he was awarded the Bronze Star, he returned to civilian life to reside in Scranton, Texas, with Mildred and daughter Patricia. However, following the creation of the U. S. Air Force he returned to military service in 1947. He served until his retirement on May 1st, 1963, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. Following retirement he resided in Fairfield, California working for the California Department of Corrections for the next 17 years. Retiring again, he and his "sweetie" returned to Scranton, Texas, built a home and "farmed." While living in Scranton he was very active with the Scranton Community Center and the monthly musicals. Also, he was instrumental in achieving "West Bound Water" from Cisco to Scranton and outlining areas. Following a short return to and residence in Fresno, California, he and Mildred returned and established residence in Abilene, Texas in 2005. Nelson took great joy in socializing with friends and family. He loved music, laughter and company of any sort. He was a kind and gentle man that loved his family and friends. He was part of what has been truly called "America's Greatest Generation." He will be deeply missed by those fortunate to have known him. Viewing will be at the Chambers Funeral Home in Cisco, Texas on Sunday December 2nd, 2012 from 1 P. M. to 4 P.M. Graveside services will be held on Monday, December 3rd, 2012 at 1 P M. at the Scranton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family request that donations made to the American Lung Association or the Alzheimer's Research.