H. Nelson Guthrie Jr.

GUTHRIE, H. Nelson Jr., age 97 of Butler Twp., passed away Sunday, December 6, 2015. Preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Rettalou McCullough Guthrie, son-in-law, H. Bruce Rahn, parents, Clara Girard Guthrie and Horatio Nelson Guthrie Sr., siblings, Alfred Guthrie, Marjorie Lewis, and Helen Eilar. Born in Carroll County, IN, Nelson grew up in West Lafayette, IN and attended Purdue University majoring in Civil Engineering. Nelson began his construction career in 1936 and joined the U.S. Navy in 1942. He was a member of the 42nd Naval Construction Battalion “Seabees.” He was stationed in the Aluetian Islands and the South Pacific. Upon his Honorable Discharge, he resumed his career as a building superintendent or project manager until his retirement.

Nelson was a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in Indiana and the Dayton Antioch Shrine. He was a former Lion, a member of the Masonic Lodge #724 in West Lafayette, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (AFL&CIO), the Carpenters Local #136 and was an Honorary Kentucky Colonel. Nelson loved to attend Vandalia-Butler and Wright State University sporting events.

Nelson is survived by his daughters, Jane Rahn and Joretta Jones (Sonny); grandsons, Mitchell Nelson Jones (Nikki) and Nelson Rahn; his brother, John G. Guthrie along with extended family and friends. Memorial Service will be held at 5:30 pm, Thursday, December 10 at the Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, 139 S. Dixie Dr., Vandalia with Rev. James Guthrie officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 3:30 pm until time of service. A Graveside Service for family and friends will be held at 9:00 am Friday, December 11, at Forest Hills Memorial Gardens, 11890 N. Dixie Dr., Tipp City, OH. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Nelson’s memory.