Thearl Nelson, 86, formerly of 786 South Warren Avenue, Columbus, OH, and a resident of Wapakoneta Manor Nursing Home in Wapakoneta, OH, died Friday, December 12, 2008 at the Wapakoneta Manor following an extended illness. 

He was born November 3, 1922 in Omar, WV, the son of Frank and Mary Cordileia (Gartin) Nelson. 

He married Stella Williamson on November 14, 1942 and she preceded him in death on July 28, 1964.  He married Helen Rison in March of 1996 and she survives at the Wapakoneta Manor. 

He is survived by:

¨ Daughter, Sheryl (Bill) Matthews of Hilliard, OH

¨ Son, Darrell (Louisa) Nelson of St.Marys, OH

¨ 3 grandchildren

¨ 4 great-grandchildren

¨ 2 sisters, Bonnie and Ada

¨ 1 brother, Bill 

He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife; by a daughter, Ruth, who died in infancy. 

Thearl was retired from MPW in Marysville, OH.  He was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corps, having served during the Battle of Iwo Jima.  He received two bronze stars for his service. 

He enjoyed boating and fishing.  He was a member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars.

Private family burial rites will be held at Prairie Town Ship (Alton) Cemetery, Columbus, OH.