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Charles H. "Duke" Nattress Jr. born July 17, 1926 went to be with the his Lord and Savior on July 31, 2006. Charles was survived by his loving wife Ann Nattress of Albuquerque; son Craig Elliott and wife Wendy and their son Kyle of Albuquerque; daughter Carol Elliot of Albuquerque; daughter Tina Ellison and husband Jackson and their sons Jason and Joshua of Albuquerque; daughter Becky Hale and husband David of Albuquerque; Mary Carol Gebbings of California; and son Joseph Nattress of California. Charles graduated from Albuquerque High and attended the University of New Mexico where he played football for the Lobos in 1946, 1947, and 1948. He served in the United States Marine Corps, serving with the 11th Marines 1st Marine Division where he was a pilot flying an F3D Jet Night Fighter in Korea and where he also received a Purple Heart. Charles was honorably discharged in 1959 receiving numerous ribbons including the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with two battle stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one star, the Japanese Occupation Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation and Korean Ribbon with one star. Charles went on to become an Air Traffic Controller at the Albuquerque International Airport Tower for nearly 30 years, a charter pilot and instructor for Cutter Aviation and served as the secretary and treasurer of the Albuquerque Cavalcade of Wings. He was also a member of AOPA and the Blue Max Society. He was a practicing member of the United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Nattress and his sister Josephine Offield. A viewing for Charles will take place Wednesday, August 2, 2006 at Fitzgerald & Son Funeral Home 3113 Carlisle Blvd. NE. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 3, 2006 at Central United Methodist Church 1615 Copper NE. with interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. with members of the United States Marine Corps. Reserves serving as honorary pall bears. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Heartland Hospice Services 10801 Lomas Blvd. NE. Suite 110 Alb. NM 87112 or to Central United Methodist Church. Duke will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. Services are under the care and direction of: Fitzgerald & Son Funeral Directors 3113 Carlisle Blvd. NE. 505-884-1188
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