Burton J. Nesbitt, 89, U.S. Navy Veteran
Burton J. Nesbitt, 89, of Lorain passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2015 at the Anchor Lodge Retirement Village following a long illness.
Mr. Nesbitt was born in Lorain on November 6, 1925, the son of the late Arthur Nesbitt and the late Mary F (nee Thomas) Nesbitt Ryan. He was a member of the 1944 graduating class of Lorain High School.
He was a member the First United Methodist Church now know as Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Elyria.
Mr. Nesbitt was a veteran of the US Navy, serving as a aviation radioman-gunner. He traiined at naval bases at Great Lakes, IL, Purcell OK, Jacksonville, FL, Whidbey Island, WA, Seattle, WA and Memphis, TN. He was a member of the bombing squadron 91 and Hedron Squad, FAW 4. He received the W.W.II Victory Medal, American Area Campaign Medal and the Air crewman Insignia.
He was an electrical contractor for Ryan Electric from 1948 until he took over the business in 1956. From 1956 until the mid 1980's he continued the family owned business. Prior to his contracting work he was a draftsman for the former American Shipbuilding Co.
Mr. Nesbitt was a member of the F & AM Black River Lodge # 786, Shriner's Dixieland Band, and the Black River Historical Society. He played in his own Jazz Band, active in genealogy and enjoyed traveling with his late wife, Mrs. Nesbitt, especially to Gettysburg. He was a well known local public speaker on music history and the Civil War "Ghosts of Gettysburg."
He was an avid golfer and was the oldest active member of the D & L Golf League, loved music especially big band and was active in his High School Alumni. He was active in genealogy and authored the following booklets: "History of Lorain High" and "Big Band Concerts all along the North Coast".
Mr. Nesbitt is survived by his son Mark (Carol) Nesbitt of Baltimore, MD, grandson Timothy (Molly) Bowman, granddaughter Kathleen (Chad) Butcher and a great granddaughter Madelyn.
Friends may call on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals. 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain. Masonic Memorial services will be held during the visitation.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2015 at 10:00 am in the funeral home with with Rev. Chris LaLonde, pastor of Cornerstone United Methodist Church, officiating.
Burial with full military honors provided by Disabled American Veterans Post will follow funeral services at Ridge Hill Memorial Park.
The family suggest that memorial contributions may be made to Black River Historical Society, 309 West 5th Street, Lorain, Ohio 44052.
Online condolences at www.boyercool.com.