Obituary for Col. Carl James Nagle
On the evening of April 18, 2019, at the age of 91, Col. Carl J. Nagle passed away quietly on his own terms, in his favorite chair, and with family by his side. Rarely do we get the privilege of knowing someone who leaves such an impact on the world, and the people around him. His main priority and commitment were always to his family which was evident in the way he lived his life. Family always came first.
This was a man of many facets. Carl was a man of integrity, although that attribute was sometimes questioned when it came to winning at cards. He had a serious demeanor and a dry sense of humor coupled with a kind heart and a twinkle in his eyes that let you know when he was bluffing. He had a soft spot for all of his “girls” and was always there for each of us whenever we would need to call on him for fatherly advice, wisdom, and encouragement.
Col. Nagle joined the Marines during WWII at the age of 17, and after his enlistment, went into the college ROTC program at Kent State University. This is where he met his future wife, Norma Louise Nathanson. Norma had her sights set on Carl, and as he would say, she chased him until he caught her. Soon thereafter, he finished college, married Norma and joined the Army as an officer.
Col. Nagle served in WW2, the Korean, and the Vietnam wars. In Laos he was shot down behind enemy lines, and was listed as MIA. Time magazine did an expose about this mission. Col. Nagle served for over 25 years performing his military duties throughout the world, including Munich, Karlsruhe, and Bad Toelz, Germany. He retired from the Army proudly as a Colonel and Green Beret, having served with several Special Forces groups, and settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He enjoyed his retirement years with Norma, camping, biking, and traveling together. Norma passed away in 2014 after 62 years of marriage. It was very obvious that he was biding his time until he could finally join her once again. What a joyful reunion Heaven must have witnessed! Col. Nagle leaves behind 4 daughters, Carla Jo Givin (Jim), Robin Damweber (Lou), Leigh Blow, and Amie Hickey (Len), 11 grand-children, and 9 great-grandchildren, all who adored him.
A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held on April 26th at 2:00 pm at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 717 Tucson Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Burial will be at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road Suffolk, VA 23434 on Monday, April 29, 2019 at 2 p.m. To leave a condolence to the family, please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com.
This was a man of many facets. Carl was a man of integrity, although that attribute was sometimes questioned when it came to winning at cards. He had a serious demeanor and a dry sense of humor coupled with a kind heart and a twinkle in his eyes that let you know when he was bluffing. He had a soft spot for all of his “girls” and was always there for each of us whenever we would need to call on him for fatherly advice, wisdom, and encouragement.
Col. Nagle joined the Marines during WWII at the age of 17, and after his enlistment, went into the college ROTC program at Kent State University. This is where he met his future wife, Norma Louise Nathanson. Norma had her sights set on Carl, and as he would say, she chased him until he caught her. Soon thereafter, he finished college, married Norma and joined the Army as an officer.
Col. Nagle served in WW2, the Korean, and the Vietnam wars. In Laos he was shot down behind enemy lines, and was listed as MIA. Time magazine did an expose about this mission. Col. Nagle served for over 25 years performing his military duties throughout the world, including Munich, Karlsruhe, and Bad Toelz, Germany. He retired from the Army proudly as a Colonel and Green Beret, having served with several Special Forces groups, and settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He enjoyed his retirement years with Norma, camping, biking, and traveling together. Norma passed away in 2014 after 62 years of marriage. It was very obvious that he was biding his time until he could finally join her once again. What a joyful reunion Heaven must have witnessed! Col. Nagle leaves behind 4 daughters, Carla Jo Givin (Jim), Robin Damweber (Lou), Leigh Blow, and Amie Hickey (Len), 11 grand-children, and 9 great-grandchildren, all who adored him.
A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held on April 26th at 2:00 pm at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 717 Tucson Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Burial will be at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road Suffolk, VA 23434 on Monday, April 29, 2019 at 2 p.m. To leave a condolence to the family, please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com.