Carl Gilbert Nelin Jr. was born June 24, 1918 to Carl and Suzy Nelin in Brady, McCullough County, Texas. His parents had emigrated from Sweden and settled in Brady Texas before their children were born. He had two brothers, his younger brother Jimmy and older brother Harold. His Uncle Bob was a large part of his life as well. His family moved to Dallas when he was small. Gilbert spent five years in the Pacific Theatre during World War II, in the United States Army 861st Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion. Corporal Nelin served all over the Pacific Region, earning an American Defense Service Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and a Good Conduct Medal. He was discharged October 28, 1945. His family and friends have all heard many stories from his experiences in the war; while watching World War II movies and documentaries, he often pointed out places he knew well. Gilbert married Bobbie Lou Montgomery on July 3, 1949; they had one son Rodney Wayne who died on June 19, 2000. Gilbert worked as a warehouseman for Westinghouse in Dallas until he retired. He spent the last few years of his life in Jacksonville at a retirement home. Gilbert passed away on May 20, 2009 at Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Jacksonville Texas after a short illness. He leaves behind his ex-wife Bobbie Counts, his sister-in-laws, nieces, nephew, their families, and Rascal (his adored cat). Carl Gilbert Nelin Jr. will be greatly missed. I am his niece that has cared for him over the last three years. He and I spent lots of time over french fries, Blue Bell ice cream, and Rascal (a farm cat and "therapy pet" for Uncle Gilbert). Rascal's middle name is Nelin and Uncle Gilbert always called him "Baby Doll". -Andrea
