NELSON, John Lewis

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona - 11/26/2004 John Lewis Nelson, 78, died Nov. 15, 2004 in Cedar Park, Texas. John was born in Akron, Ohio, he lived in the area for more than 30 years. He served his country from 1944-1945 with the U.S. Air Force, as an Aviation Cadet. After the war, he graduated from the University of Akron in 1950, and received a graduate degree in electrical engineering from Pennsylvania State College. He was employed for six years by Goodyear Aerospace serving as a senior design engineer in radar. In 1956, John accepted a position with Motorola, Inc. in Phoenix as a senior systems engineer. He retained this position for over 39 years, directing the Radar Section in the creation of numerous ground communications and airborne radar systems in Spain, England, Switzerland, Germany, Russian and the U.S. John was a member of the Motorola Scientific Advisory Board. He had an avid interest in aviation since childhood and followed his dream to become a private pilot. He obtained a Certified Flight Instructor certificate which he put to use by teaching ground school and giving private flight instruction. John was a longtime member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, making numerous flying trips to Oshkosh, Wisconsin in his Cessna 182. He authored seven books on aviation-related topics. After retirement from Motorola in 1995, John and his wife Dolores moved to beautiful Pinetop-Lakeside, where they built their retirement home. He was an active member of the Community Presbyterian Church. In Pinetop, he continued his interests in photography, woodworking, computers and technical writing. John Nelson is survived by his loving wife, Dolores; daughter, Sandra (Michael) Harrigan of Phoenix; son, David (Kathy) Nelson of Cedar Park, Texas; and four grandchildren. Services will be held at the Community Presbyterian Church in Pinetop Dec. 4 at 11 a.m. with Reverend Stanley Kain officiating. Should friends desire and in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Community Presbyterian Church, 1940 S. Penrod Lane, Pinetop, AZ 85935 (928-367-4923).