Obituary of Milton Henry Nelson

Nelson, Milton Henry Jr. a retired Defense Supply Analyst at the Quartermasters in South Philadelphia, PA, died Friday, October 29, 2010 at the age of 85. Milton was the only child born to the late Milton Henry Nelson, Sr. and Ethel Carter Johnston on September 17, 1925. He received his education in the Philadelphia Public Schools System, graduating from Benjamin Franklin High School. He was eligible for a scholarship to Lincoln College (University) but was drafted into World War II before he could matriculate. Milton served in the U.S. Army from 1941 until receiving an Honorable discharge in April of 1946. While serving, he met and later married in 1951, his lovely wife, Dorothy Mae Bradley, a native of Evansville, Indiana. Returning to Philadelphia after serving, Milton began work at the Quartermasters in South Philadelphia for the Defense Department. He worked there for over 25 years before retiring early due to a medical infirmity. Milton pursued several passions, including the stock market, constructing model airplanes, jazz music and stimulating conversation. The stock market was his greatest passion. He learned everything he could about the market. He once said, "I never had money and didn't like being poor." So, he sought to learn how Big Businesses and Corporations operated and made their money. He was a jazz aficionado, listening and collecting the music from th Big Band Era to the Mississippi Blues. He was also known to visit local Jazz Houses like Bob ad Barbara's spot along South Street, where he was affectinately known as "Hank". In a quiet moment, he enjoyed constructing all sorts of model airplanes. Also, Milton could strike up a conversation about almost anything, particulary politics and current events. Milton accepted the Lord at an early age and remained a lifelong member of The Union Baptist Church. He leaves to mourn, his loving and faithful wife, Dorothy M. Nelson; two Godchildren, Ms. Sheryl Rankin and Ms. Joan Marie Hyett; many cousins and countless friends.