Gary Albert Nelson, 78, died on May 17, 2026, at his home in Port Orchard, WA. Gary was born to Albert Nelson and Ruth Stempf Nelson at the FDR Hospital in Bremerton, WA. Gary is proceeded in death by his parents, his sister Ardith Nelson Brown, and his brother James Nelson. Gary married Linda Newell Nelson on May 11, 1984, and they spent 42 years in marriage and raised a blended family of five children; Adam Nelson (Christie), Amber Nelson Dupuis (Joseph), Ray Killgore (Wendy), David Killgore (Mary), Tony Killgore (Amanda). In their blended family there are 17 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Gary grew up and lived his teen years in Port Orchard, WA, until joining the United States Air Force on July 30, 1965, serving four years, one year in Pleiku, Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star.

Upon returning home from his military service, Gary attended Green River Community College earning an Associates degree in Air Traffic Control. Gary flew for the Department of Natural Resources as well as for the State of Washington in an Air Ambulance. In 1998 he completed his Bachelors degree at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in Vocational Education.

Gary worked in the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for thirty-eight years, retiring in July of 2010. He started his career as a Pipefitter and worked his way up to become a Nuclear Instructor.

Gary was an avid flyer, earning his pilot’s license on October 4, 1970 and he continued on to obtain a commercial pilots license as well. He was an instructor of flight for many years; teaching his son Adam to fly at age 16 and taught his niece Jeanne to fly as well. He was a great teacher in the air and on the ground as he taught four teenage boys to drive and everyone survived.

In 2000 he built his own airplane, an Avid Magnum, and flew it to Osh Kosh, Wisconsin, with his brave friend Glen Walker accompanying him; this resulted in many great stories coming from their adventure.

Gary was known for his wonderful smile and his friendly outgoing personality; he will be forever missed by family and friends.

Gary was a lifelong member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Port Orchard, WA.

Memorial donations can be made to: Alzheimer's Association of Washington, 12721 30th Ave NE, Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98125 Bethany Lutheran Church, or to the charity of your choosing.