Nathan Offield

Retired Army Colonel Nathan Allen Offield, 91, died on Thursday, October 30, in Botetourt County, Virginia. Attended by his daughters, he passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love.

Known variously as Bud, Jack, Nathan, Dad, and Grandpa, Nathan Allen Offield was born on July 12, 1934, in Taylor, Texas, to parents Burford and Hattie Belle (Townsend) Offield. His family included his older brother, James, and his beloved cousin, Susie.

After attending Texas A&M College (later University) on an ROTC scholarship, he embarked on a career of service to his country as an officer in the United States Army. He commanded a nuclear missile battery at Wiesbaden AFB, West Germany, at the height of the Cold War; he served back-to-back tours in Vietnam attached to the 1st Cavalry Division; he was

proud to be a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division as an Air Defense Artillery battalion commander. Throughout his time as a soldier, he strove to make the Army better and stronger. After 32 years of active duty, he continued to serve soldiers and their families as a civilian contractor for the Army he loved, finally retiring soon after his 80th birthday.

His medals, awards, and commendations include: the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf clusters; the Distinguished Service Medal; the Bronze Star Medal; the Meritorious Service Medal; the Air Medal; the Vietnam Campaign Medal; and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

In 1960, he married Marianne Hare, of Mangum, Oklahoma. Together, they raised their two daughters, Mary Elizabeth and Carolyn Elaine, while living at duty stations all over the world. He delighted in the joys and shared in the sorrows of his family, attending choral concerts, high school theater productions, and Girl Scout camping trips. He was an active lay leader at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Woodbridge, Virginia, serving on various committees and advisory boards, including terms as the Chair of the Administrative Board. He was also an enthusiastic participant in the Emmaus Christian retreat movement. He lovingly cared for Marianne as she battled cancer, and as she battled cancer again. He and Marianne danced at their daughters' weddings, and he rejoiced at the birth or adoption of every new grandchild. He taught his daughters and their children to treat every new experience as an adventure.

After the death of his first wife, he married again in 1999, to Carol Lords Moore of Alexandria, Virginia, welcoming her children and grandchildren into his huge heart. Gregory and Heidi quickly came to love their new "dad" because how could you not? And Greg's kids soon learned how lucky they were to have this most excellent of grandfathers.

After retiring from two careers, Nathan moved with Carol to Henrico, Virginia. After Carol's death earlier this year, Nathan moved to Daleville, Virginia, where he shared a home with his daughter Carolyn and her family.

His survivors include his daughter Mary Elizabeth and her husband, Matthew Holmes; his daughter Carolyn and her husband, Scott McLucas; his stepson Gregory Moore and his wife, Emily. His cherished grandchildren are: Andrew McLucas and his wife, Julia; Alan McLucas and his wife, Sarah; Mary Kathryn Evans and her husband, David; Lindsey Puckett and her husband, Adam; Craig McLucas; Sam McLucas; Cody McLucas; Jonathan Holmes; Mary Olivia Holmes; Claire Holmes; Harrison Moore; Aiden Moore; Madison Armstrong; Kennedy Armstrong. Also included are his great-grandchildren: Victoria Barthmaier; Alexandria Barthmaier; Sophia McLucas; and Mary Elaine Puckett. In addition, Nathan is mourned by his Texas family: Wanda Sue ("Susie") Clayton, Katie Lowenberg, Betty Offield, Gary Offield, Teresa Offield, Billie Offield, David Offield, Steven Offield, and their families.

A funeral and interment at Arlington National Cemetery will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, you can make a contribution to the Gentiva Foundation or to a hospice organization of your choice, in thanksgiving for loving hospice caregivers everywhere.

https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/GentivaFoundation/GHS.html