Milton H. Nelson Jr. | Supply analyst, 85

Milton Henry Nelson Jr., 85, of West Philadelphia, a retired defense supply analyst, died of cancer Friday, Oct. 29, at Wissahickon Hospice.

Mr. Nelson graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in North Philadelphia and could have attended Lincoln University on a scholarship, his wife, Dorothy Bradley Nelson, said. But he was drafted and during World War II served in the Army Air Force. While at George Field in Illinois, he traveled on weekends to USO dances in Evansville, Ind., where he met his future wife. After the war they kept up a long-distance relationship before marrying in 1951.

Mr. Milton had a 25-year career as a civilian working for the Army Quartermaster Corps in South Philadelphia. He retired in 1973.

A jazz aficionado, he listened to and collected music from big bands to Mississippi blues. He also enjoyed constructing model airplanes and conversing about politics and current events. His passion was the stock market, his wife said.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Milton is survived by two godchildren and many cousins.

A funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, at Union Baptist Church, 1910 Fitzwater St., where Mr. Milton was a lifelong member. Friends may call from 10 a.m. Burial will be in Rolling Green Memorial Park, West Chester.