OBITUARY: Former WWII Fighter Pilot Howard Nations, 98, of Palm Bay Passes Away Nov. 18
By Space Coast Daily // November 23, 2019
was assigned to the Air Group 17, Fighter Bomber Squadron aboard the USS Hornet
BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Howard Nations, 98, was raised in a small panhandle town in Texas with true Texas Pride and a Cowboy spirit. He joined the Navy and became a fighter pilot in World War II.
During flight training in Sanford, FL he met the love of his life Nell, they were married and spent 71 years together until her passing in 2016.
They moved to Norfolk, VA., when he was assigned to the Air Group 17, Fighter Bomber Squadron aboard the USS Hornet. He was awarded WWII Victory Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific (3 stars), American Defense (1 star), Air Medal (4 stars) and a Presidential Unit Citation (1 star).
After the war, he was President of Virginia Beach, VA Jaycees earning an Honorary Lifetime Membership. Soon, thereafter they moved to Melbourne, FL where he was active in the car business for many years, later he became a Realtor until his retirement.
Nations was and always will be loved by his children Linda and Zeke; grandchildren, Nannette, Nicole, Zack, Rick and Sue; great-grandsons Brady, Brock, Connor, Henry, and in March Charlie.
He will be remembered by all as a kind, caring, honorable Cowboy of a man, who leaves a legacy of Honor, Pride, and Family that we should all strive to achieve.
A Memorial service will be Sunday, November 24, at 12:45 p.m. at Presbyterian Church of the Good Shepherd.
