John R. Nener, 65, of Tucson, Arizona, formerly of Medford, MA and Greenwood, LA, died Friday, August 12, 2011 at Corondelet Hospital in Tucson. He was the beloved husband of the late Ruth Phillips. Born in Somerville, MA on August 14, 1945, he was the son of the late John J. R. Nener and Kathryn (Flagg) Nener Ford. He attended Bedford public schools, graduated from Medford High School in 1964 and Diesel Mechanic School. During the Vietnam War, he served in the U. S. Army, 21st Infantry Division as a Helicopter Gunner. He was a member of the Royal Order of Paddy Rats and the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Sharpshooter and Marksman Badges. He was stationed in Germany and Vietnam. For many years, Mr. Nener was a Carpenter in the building trade working in Oregon, Louisiana and Arizona. Previously, he worked as a heavy equipment operator. A nine-year resident of Tucson, Arizona, Mr. Nener lived at the base of the Catalina Mountains. During the 1970's, he lived in the Oregon woods where he built his own cabin and furniture. During the 1980's he lived in Shreveport. Louisiana. He enjoyed making artistic carvings, sculptures and walking sticks that he exhibited at fairs in Louisiana. He was a volunteer at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Louisiana where he spent time counseling Vietnam Veterans. Survivors include 3 sisters, Pamela Nener of North Reading, Jeanne Nener of Swampscott, Kim Nener-Plante and her husband Dennis of Bedford, 2 brothers, Tom Ford and John Ford, both of Colorado, his aunt and uncle, Barbara and Jack Musbach of Michigan, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Also survived by his step-children, William Phillips of Louisiana, Melissa Phillips of Louisiana, Melanie Phillips of Tucson Az, Jason Phillips of Louisiana. He was the brother of the late Kurt "Rickie" R. Nener. Services and military burial in Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Homes for our Troops, 6 Main Street, Taunton, MA 02780 or to Vietnam Veterans of America, 8719 Colesville Road, Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Service: Services and military burial in Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford will be private.