This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: AMHhenley Surnames: Nelson, Ames, Smith, Egbert Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.idaho.counties.franklin/2137/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Idaho State Journal, 08/21/07 GRACE - DeRay Henry Nelson, 83, was born on December 16, 1923, the third child of John Henry and Susehannah Ames Nelson, near Preston at Mink Creek, Idaho. DeRay passed away on August 20, 2007, after a long and courageous struggle with the ravages of diabetes, culminating in a series of major strokes. In the last eight days of his life he was surrounded by his loving wife, children, grandchildren and dear friends as he made his way slowly from this life into the next to be reunited with his loved ones waiting for him. When he was 13 months old, his mother passed away along with the baby son she was carrying, DeVere. From that day, DeRay and his father were constant companions. They moved several times from Stockton to Tremonton to Mink Creek before finally settling in the Grace area, where they remained. When he was 9 years old DeRay was working for farmers to help support his ailing father. By the time he was in seventh grade, he had to quit school and go to work full time. DeRay was inducted into the U.S. Army in March 1943, and was assigned as a combat medic with the 526th Armored Infantry Battalion. He first saw action in World War II as he landed on Utah beach during the D-Day invasion. He later was with his unit at the Battle of the Bulge, where he drove a half-track ambulance onto the field to return the wounded to the field hospital. His vehicle was fired upon many times as he made the dangerous trek. On his birthday, December 16, 1944, he and 27 of his men were captured by the Germans, held for about 36 hours, and then released to return to their troops. Fifty-eight years later, he was awarded the Bronze Star, commemorative medals for DDay and the Battle of the Bulge, along with European Campaign Badge with four campaign stars, Good Conduct Medal, Victory in Europe Medal, American Campaign Medal and the Ruptured Duck, his discharge pin. They were presented to him in a very moving ceremony presided over by members of several branches of the military in full uniform and with proud family members, close friends, and fellow veterans in attendance. They are displayed proudly in his home for all to see. After the war he returned home to meet a very pretty young woman named Beverly Ann Smith. Ten days after her 16th birthday they were married in Preston, Idaho, on January 10, 1946. They became parents of five children, twins, Susan Marie and Steven Ray, John Samuel, Bruce Lee and DeWynn William. DeRay was then able to fulfill the dream of his life and purchase his own farm from Irvin McCann, and later the family farm from the estate of his wife's family. Beverly was suddenly taken from life on December 7, 1990. Three years later, DeRay courted and married Carol Lee Egbert, local kindergarten teacher, to the great delight of his children. They were sealed in the Las Vegas LDS Temple on December 28, 1994. DeRay is survived by his devoted wife, Carol Lee; his children, Steven (Camille) Nelson, Lewiston, Utah, Susan (Glenn) Pattie, Pocatello, Idaho, John (Gail) Nelson, Island Park, Idaho, Bruce (Mary Lou) Nelson, Grace, Idaho, and DeWynn (Kathy) Nelson, Las Vegas, Nev. Also surviving are 18 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren; his mother-in-law, Pauline Egbert; five brothers and sisters-in-law; and eight nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Beverly, sister, Eliza and infant siblings, DeVere and Edris, a grandson and greatgrandson, and two weeks prior to his death by his beloved dog, Toby, who will be buried with his best friend. The family expresses deepest gratitude to all those of the Southeastern Idaho Hospice program, and especially his main caregivers, Nurse Gina Martin, Aide Suzanne Ward and Social Worker Rod Johnson. They made DeRay's last days more comfortable and much easier for a grieving family. We love you, Sweetheart, Dad, Grandpa, and wish you the best as you reunite with those on the other side. Know that you will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 23, 2007, at noon at the Grace Stake Center. The family will meet with friends on Wednesday, August 22, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Sims Funeral Home, 139 E. Second S., in Soda Springs, and also on Thursday, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the stake center prior to services. Burial will be at the Grace Cemetery. Services are under the direction of the Sims Funeral Home. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.