Raymond Alan Nelson

Raymond Alan Nelson, 65, of Dennison, passed away in Community Hospice House, Friday, March 21, 2014 following a brief illness.

Born in Dover on June 27, 1948, he was the son of the late Raymond Anthony and Viona Mae (Baughman) Nelson.

Ray was educated at Midvale schools. While he was in 8th and 9th grades, he greatly enjoyed playing basketball for Coach Charlie Huggins. After graduating from Midvale High School in 1966, Ray joined the U. S. Marine Corps where he honorably served in Vietnam. He was decorated with the Bronze Star, 2 Purple Hearts, Senior Parachute Wings, a Pistol Sharpshooter Badge, and numerous others medals and awards.

After his service to his country, Ray came home and began his 5 year career with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Ray also served as a narcotics specialist and investigator with the Multi County Felony Bureau before beginning his career with the New Philadelphia Police Department. He served the community well as a patrolman; and after retirement, owned and operated Ray’s Electric.

As a young boy, Ray was introduced to Gettysburg and the Civil War by his grandfather. That visit began his lifelong love of the Civil War. Ray loved to travel to the battle grounds and learn everything he could about the war. Other hobbies included following The Ohio State Buckeyes, the North Carolina Tar Heels, and the West Virginia Mountaineers and being in nature.

He and some friends owned an airplane after they received their pilot licenses too.

Ray will be deeply missed by his sisters, Debra (Bill) Byers, Lisa (companion, Jeff) Nelson, and Holly Nelson, all of Dennison; his special friends, Denny Vitt, Hank Escola, and Mike Henry; and his Weimaraner, Hannah.

Friends are invited to the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home on Wednesday for visitation with his family from 5 to 7 p.m. A Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #4 service will begin promptly at 7 p.m. followed by a memorial service with Rev. Steve Bailey officiating.

Cremation will be cared for through Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory. Then, inurnment of Ray’s cremated remains will take place at Arlington Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Ray’s memory may be directed to either Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia Ohio 44663 or the Civil War Trust, 1156 15th St NW, Suite 900, Washington, D.C. 20005.