Mt. Holly – Howard “Hop” L. Nelson, of Wrigtstown, NJ died on Sunday, March 22, 2015 at Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice of Mt. Holly. He was 89 years old. A veteran of the U.S. Navy serving in WWII. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #26 in Bordentown NJ. Howard served on a mine sweeper in the South Pacific. His ship was part of the fleet that swept Manilia Harbor for MacArthur’s campaign to recapture the Philippines. He retired as part owner of Howard’s Autobody on Burlington Street in Bordentown NJ in 1991. Son of the late Leon and Emma Foster Nelson, brother of the late Margaret LaBate and Doris Nutt, he is survived by his wife of 68 years Eva Groover Nelson, two daughters and son-in-law, Barbara and Roger Cole; Linda and William Wood, a son and daughter-in-law, Danny and Lori Nelson, a son and his spouse John Nelson and William Wismer, 5 grandchildren, Tammy Churchman, Ryan Pepe, Michelle Chung, Michael Nelson and Allison Nelson, 6 great-grandchildren, Annabell, Zachary, Brandon, Christpher, Savannah and Monica. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2015 at 11:30am at the Brig. General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery. The family request that those wishing to attend gather first at 11am at Tilghman Funeral Home, located at 52 Main Street, New Egypt NJ 08533. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Howards’ memory to Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice: 5 Eves Drive, Suite 300, Marlton NJ 08053.