Nathaniel "Nat" Carl Both

Nathaniel Carl "Nat" Both, 91, entered eternal rest in the arms of his Savior on October 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of the family he cherished. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)

Nat was born December 27, 1934, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Nathaniel and Cleo Both, and was raised in a family rooted in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The faith he received as a child stayed with him throughout his life. He attended Purdue University, where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, and graduated in 1956 with a degree in Business. He then served his country as an Ensign in the United States Navy for three years and was honorably discharged in 1959.

After the Navy, Nat moved to Denver, Colorado, to work as a stockbroker. It was there that God brought Jane Denney of Waurika, Oklahoma, into his life. They married and shared 64 years together, a marriage grounded in faith, loyalty, and devotion. While in Colorado, Nat and Jane were blessed with two sons, Douglas and Neil. Being their dad was one of the greatest joys of Nat's life. He loved his boys deeply and took great pride in the men they became. Some of the family's fondest memories are of Nat piloting them to the Duncan airport for holidays in Waurika, bringing everyone home to celebrate together.

A natural entrepreneur, Nat built successful businesses in RV and aircraft sales in Denver and in Mena, Arkansas. His true passion, though, was flying. An accomplished pilot, he was never happier than when he was in the sky, and those who knew him like to think he now enjoys a view far grander than any he saw from the cockpit. Nat and Jane eventually settled in the Dallas area, where they made their home for many years.

Though he wasn't born in Waurika, he faithfully attended Jane's class reunions from the 1970s through the 1990s and made lifelong friends there, a testament to his warmth and his gift for making everyone feel like family.

Nat was preceded in death by his parents, Nathaniel Both Sr. and Cleo Both, and his sister, Carolyn Bowen.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Jane Both; his sons, Douglas Both and wife Kendra of Aubrey, Texas, and Neil Both and wife Mindy of Harrison, Arkansas; his brothers, Ben Both and wife Loretta of Castle Rock, Colorado, and James Both and wife Kathy of Watseka, Illinois; and his grandchildren, Hannah, Brooks, and Aubrie Both.

We grieve his absence deeply, but not as those who have no hope. We rest in the promise of the resurrection and the certainty that, through Christ, we will see him again. "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live." (John 11:25)