Obituary of Carl H. Nelson

SMETHPORT - Carl Hilmer Nelson, 89, of West Water Street, passed away at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport, on Sunday (Nov. 26, 2017) following a long illness. Born August 21, 1928, in Marvindale, he was the son of Carl Hilmer and Anna Swanson Nelson. Carl was a US Navy veteran, serving in both World War II and the Korean War, and was honorably discharged in 1952. The majority of his working career was spent in Law Enforcement and Security,including his service as one of the earliest agents in the federal Sky Marshal Program. He traveled undercover extensively throughout the world on both domestic and international flights providing security from hijackings. After leaving the federal Sky Marshal Program, he served as Director of Law Enforcement and Security at Lock Haven University and then Kutztown University where he retired. He also worked as a Police Officer with the Fairbanks, Alaska police department, and as a Deputy Game Warden in Pennsylvania. Carl was an avid hunter and fisherman who greatly enjoyed the time spent in the woods and along the small streams of McKean County in pursuit of brook trout. And he was a devout fan of ice hockey,introducing his sons to the sport at an early age. He and his sons played on many different teams in the Bradford and Olean area. Carl was also the coach and player of both the Lock Haven University and Kutztown University club hockey teams. He is survived by three sons, Carl David (Linda) of Reno, NV, Roger L. (Brenda) of Smethport, Gregory A. of Philadelphia, PA, and a daughter, Debbi Ann (Robert West),of Syracuse, NY. Carl was also blest with seven grandchildren, along with several great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. His former wife, Ruth (Cook) Nelson, of Smethport also survives. He leaves behind many close, and lifelong friends with whom he maintained frequent contact until his death. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, as well as three sisters, Phyllis (Mook), Victoria and Beverly. At Carl's request, there will be no visitation. Private funeral services will be held with family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, he requested that donations be made to local charities and the Shriner's Hospital, which he supported for many years. Online condolences can be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes Inc., Smethport, PA.