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Eston William Nelson, a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, passed away Feb. 29, 2024, after a short battle with lung cancer.
He was married to Joyce Elaine (Lamb) Nelson for 38 years who survives.
He was preceded in death by his only biological son, Eston William Nelson, on Nov. 16. 2011.
He is survived by three daughters, Amber Nelson of Elkins, Wendi Sampson and husband, Ron Sampson, of Elkins, Heather Harris and husband, Kevin, Harris, of Buckhannon; and one son, Patrick Bodkin and wife, Michelle Bodkin, of Weston.
He has five grandchildren, Abigael Harris and Emma Harris of Buckhannon, Bradley Sampson of Elkins, and Trey Bodkin and Athena Bodkin of Jacksonville, Florida.
One half-brother, Mitch Nelson of Foley, Alabama; half-sister, Joni Tingle of League City, Texas, half-sister, Bertha Wujcik of Morgantown, West Virginia, also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Diana M. (Nelson) Shifflett.
The son of Roosevelt W. Nelson and Edna Louise Nelson, Eston Nelson grew up in Elkins, West Virginia.
He was born Aug. 17, 1950, in Elkins, West Virginia, and attended Elkins High School. He attended welding school in Moorehead City, North Carolina.
Upon graduation, he entered the Marine Corps and turned 19 in boot camp. He was a proud patriot and valued his service highly and attained the rank of Master Gunnery Sargeant E-9.
Bill entered during the Vietnam Conflict going to Basic School, Unit Rep Data Handler, Mar Av Opas Clerk, Command and Staff College, Amphibious Course, SNCO Academy. He served as a 7041-Aviation Operations Specialist. He served during the Vietnam Conflict, Desert Storm and Gulf War. His decorations include Meritorious Mast, Pistol Marksman Badge, Good Conduct Medal 8, Navy Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Achievement 2#, Letter of Appreciation (3), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation 3#, National Defense Service Medal 2*, Held SNM held a final secret clearance completed 24 years 3mo and 1 day of continuous active service.
After returning to Elkins in 1993, he became the Veterans Affairs Service Officer for several counties and serviced them until 2007 when he resigned. During these years he served the community as Charter Member of the Marine Corp League, Established Toys for Tots in Elkins, WV State Commandant, National Commandant, Member of Devil Dogs, VFW, American Legion.
Services for Mr. Nelson will be private.
Interment will be in the West Virginia National Cemetery near Grafton, West Virginia.
The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Eston William Nelson.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.