Capt. Loren E. Neilson Jr., 87 of Sapulpa, OK, passed from this life and went to be with our Lord and Savior on July 19th, 2024. He's now in Heaven surrounded by family and friends.

Loren was born on November 3, 1936, in Tulsa, OK to Everett & Ruby Neilson. He went to Greensboro High School where he loved wrestling just like his great grandson Wyatt. Loren graduated from Tulsa Central followed by enlisting in the United States Army, attending Officer Candidate's School and loved serving his country from November 28, 1954, until February 15, 1975, when he retired, Adjutant General Corps as U.S. Army Captain where he received the following; Bronze Star Medal, 2D Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, W/4 Campaign Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, 4 Overseas Service Bars, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, (Lebanon), Good Conduct Medal 2D Award, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry W/Palm, Republic of Vietnam Staff Service Medal. He served in Vietnam 2 separate 1 yr. terms, also serving in Lebanon and Germany where he met Erika, the love of his life for 66 years. After his retirement from the Army, he worked alongside his father at the family-owned business Neilson Steel Fabricators.

Loren and Erika are a part of West Side FWBC in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. He was active in Sapulpa's Disabled American Veterans Chapter #9 where he also enjoyed playing BINGO. Other activities Loren enjoyed were caring for his lawn working in his shop and traveling and eating at Siegi's! He also loved the festivities through the German/American Society like Christkindlmarket and Oktoberfest, fishing, camping and boating were also a part of his younger life.

He was a loving, caring and compassionate husband, father, grandfather and friend, always willing to give a helping hand. He will forever be deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all family and friends.

Loren is survived by the love of his life, Erika of 66 years; daughter Elizabeth "Lisa" A. McCaskey and husband Jerry; grandchildren Joshua R. McCaskey and wife Jill of Kiefer, Jered W. McCaskey and wife Jessica of Sapulpa, Christopher "Garrett" McCaskey and wife Sarah of Sapulpa, Weston R. McCaskey and wife Leann of Sapulpa, Morgan India Griese and husband Tyler of Henryetta and Staci D. Queen and husband Isaiah; great-grandchildren Noah W. McCaskey, Hailey A. Minney-McCaskey, Jackson R. McCaskey, Joseph W. McCaskey, Waylon R. McCaskey, Wyatt R. McCaskey, Ella Mai Queen, Danielle A. Queen, Atticus J. Queen and Arya D. Queen.

He is preceded in death by his parents Everett and Ruby Neilson; children Robert D. Neilson and Theresa I. Gooding and granddaughter Ashley Nicole Gooding.

Visitation will be from 6-8pm, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Traditions Funeral Chapel in Kellyville. Services will be 10am, Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Westside Freewill Baptist Church in Sapulpa with burial to follow at Sunrise Cemetery in Kellyville. Arrangements are under the directions of Traditions Funeral and Cremation Services, 35 S. Main, Kellyville, OK, 918-247-7373.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to any of the following:

Sapulpa DAV Chapter 9, 1429 S. Main St., Sapulpa, OK, 74066, 918-224-0656

Oklahoma Cancer Research, 12697 E. 51st St, Tulsa, OK 74136, 918-505-3200

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 2123 S. Atlanta Pl., Ste 100, Tulsa, OK 74114, 918-744-6354