RW/RC/NWA Capt. Stuart Tracy Nielson

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

RW/RC/NWA Capt. Stuart Tracy Nielson

July 12, 1935 ~ Sept. 4, 2022

 

Notice of passing…..retired Hughes AirWest/Republic/Northwest Airlines pilot Captain Stuart Tracy Nielson, age 87.

https://obituaries.virginiacremate.com/obituaries/fort-worth-tx/stuart-nielson-10916789

https://obituaries.cleburnetimesreview.com/obituary/stuart-nielson-1086195292

 

Stuart Tracy Nielson was born in Syracuse, NY, on July 12, 1935, to Clara Markel Nielson and Robert Francis Nielson. Stuart passed away Sept. 4, 2022, at the age of 87 in Cleburne, Texas.

 

Stuart grew up and attended school in Fayetteville, NY. At age 11 he began taking flying lessons. He worked at many odd jobs to earn "flying lesson" money including washing airplanes for $2.00 per plane. Not having a car, he would ride his bicycle 7 miles to his flying lessons.

 

Stuart joined the United States Air Force as an aircraft mechanic during the Korean Conflict in 1952. In 1955, Stuart married Marjorie Jane Welch. They were married for 38 years and had two sons, Curtis Lee and Douglas Wayne. After the Air Force Stuart returned to Fayetteville and finished his flying licenses while working to support his wife and two small boys. During his career, he flew for General Electric, Carrier Air Conditioning, Riddle Airlines, Allegheny Airlines, Pacific Airlines, Hughes Air West, Republic Airlines and he retired from Northwest Airlines as an MD-80 Captain in 1984.

 

His favorite hobby was restoring/rebuilding antique airplanes and engines. He was a member of the Antique Airplane Association (AAA) and attended family of their fly-ins. He made long-lasting friends at their events and his airplanes won many awards throughout his life. Stuart also arranged for our antique Cleburne Airport beacon (that was being replaced) to be donated to the AAA. The beacon is now on display in a prominent place at the AAA Airport in Blakesburg, IA. He was also a member of the QB (Quiet Birdmen) Association for many years. In April 2008 he was awarded the FAA's "Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award" for having been a pilot for over 50 years with no incidents. Stuart enjoyed helping young pilots by giving them tips during their training from his experience that are not always included in formal lessons.

 

In April of 1998, Stuart and Frances were married and have been together going on 25 wonderful years. They did not have children; however, they have had three wonderful toy poodles, GiGi, Katie and currently Abigail.

 

Stuart was an active member of New Beginning Cowboy Fellowship Church in Cleburne, TX, where he served as Wrangler. Stuart had a deep faith and believed strongly in the power of prayer. He was most recently involved with the building of our new church.

 

He is survived by his wife, Frances Dee Nielson; sons, Curtis Lee of Grand Prairie, Texas, Douglas Wayne (Sheila) of East Troy, Wisconsin; stepdaughters, Terri Mize of Azle, Texas, Sherri Graham of Cape Coral, Florida; sisters, Lois Kay Jones (Stanley) of Odessa, Texas, Mary Louise Hall (Bob) of Glenns Ferry, Idaho; grandchildren, Lindsey, Kenneth, Karl (wife Harley) and Kaitlyn; and numerous nieces and nephews across the country and many wonderful friends.

 

In lieu of flowers, Stuart requested a donation to New Beginning Cowboy Fellowship Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 593, Keene, TX 76059.

 

Service: Sept. 24, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at New Beginning Cowboy Fellowship Church, 2900 FM 4, Cleburne, TX 76033.