Kenneth E. Nelson

Kenneth E. Nelson, 83, Kokomo, went home to be with our Lord and his loving wife Shirley on Saturday, April 2nd, 2016. He was born on May 3rd, 1932 in Winifrede, West Virginia, to Edward E. and Etta C. (Goodwin) Nelson. Kenny loved his church and his family and will be missed by both.

He was a tool and die maker for Chrysler, retiring in 2005 after 47 years and was a member of UAW Local 1166. Kenny was a US Army Veteran, serving in the Korean War with the 54th Armored Battalion of the 3rd Armored Division. He earned Korean service medals from the United States, the United Nations and the Republic of Korea. He was awarded the National Defense Medal and the Bronze Battle Star for combat action. Kenny enjoyed watching Notre Dame and Indianapolis Colts football and showing his 1937 Dodge truck, winning numerous awards at auto shows.

Kenny is survived by his step-children, Jody Tyler, Duane “Jim” (Eleny) Hostetler, Jennifer (Vince) McAninch, Jeff Hostetler, Danny (Brenda) Hostetler; his adopted daughter/great granddaughter Shelby Hatton; his eight grandchildren, Stephanie and Chris Tyler; Jonathan, Lewis and Michael Hostetler; Angie Pentland and Breanna McAninch; and Chasity Hostetler; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, his parents and his brother Edward L. (Joyce) Nelson. Visitation will be 11 AM -2 PM on Saturday, April 9th at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, followed by services at 2 PM. Burial will be in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Kenny’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

A tribute to Kenny’s life may be viewed online at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com, where condolences may be shared with his family.