Obituary: Kenneth Nelson
Kenneth Duaine Nelson passed away on June 17, 2026.
He was born on Jan. 29, 1945 to Phyllis (nee Satterlee) and Raymond Nelson in Alexandria, Kentucky.
Ken attended Taft High School, Hamilton, Ohio. He was a member of the 1962 Ohio State High School basketball championship team. Ken was a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and received his masters degree in planning from University of Tennessee.
Ken entered military service in 1967 as a second Lieutenant with a branch assignment as a signal officer. After completing the officer basic course 2nd Lt. Nelson was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division in South Vietnam. While in Vietnam, Ken served with distinction and valor and was awarded two Silver Star Medals, a Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart.
Ken’s professional career was served in government city planning and residential housing development. In the last part of his career he managed nonprofit housing development projects in Indiana.
He was a man of faith and enjoyed the community of believers at Grace United Methodist in Hamilton, Ohio, Dillsboro United Methodist in Dillsboro, Indiana, Moores Hill Baptist Church in Moores Hill, Indiana, Dearborn Baptist Church in Manchester, Indiana, New Testament Baptist Church in Sunman, Indiana and most recently at Oxford Bible Fellowship.
Various seasons of Ken’s life were marked by unique qualities that were witnessed by those around him. In his early years, influenced by his mother, he developed a deep sense of justice concerning civil rights, aligning himself as an equal when society sought to segregate. In war, he acted with courage beyond his training and sought to bring something beautiful out of chaos by organizing compassionate measures for civilians trapped in the terrors of war. As a father, he was known to father not only his own children, but any other child in the community. He sought to father each child uniquely according to their unique needs. As a professional in land and housing development, he was known to pull people and resources together in such a way that people asked him to come out of retirement.
As an older man battling more than 20 years against Parkinson’s Disease, he fought with humility and determination. Whether friend or family he carried a burden for each one to have a “walk with the Lord.” And now, he is present with his Savior and Lord and has surely heard the Father’s commendation, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:23)
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Kenneth Duaine Nelson to causes that reflect the faith, experiences, and values that shaped his life.
Inner City Impact honors Ken’s heart for the Gospel and community service by serving children and families in Chicago. He and his daughter Amanda served together two summers with this ministry. It reflects his desire to see generations of his family continuing to serve others.
The Parkinson's Foundation honors the courage and perseverance with which Ken faced Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's has impacted multiple generations of his family, making this cause especially close to his heart. Gifts to the foundation support research, care and resources for individuals and families affected by the disease.
Wounded Warrior Project honors Ken's military service and his deep respect for those who have served our nation. Military service became part of a family legacy, as his sons also answered the call to serve in military capacities. Gifts to this organization support wounded veterans and their families as they navigate the challenges that can follow service.
These organizations reflect the faith, service, sacrifice, compassion and perseverance that characterized Kenneth Duaine Nelson's life. The family is grateful for your prayers, support and the many ways you have honored his memory and legacy.
Kenneth is the beloved husband of Connie (nee Guiler, married 1981); cherished father of Kris (Jill) Nelson, Amanda (John Mattox) Nelson, Krista (Tim) Hodges, Andy (Christy) Streit, Tom (Samantha) Streit and Bobby (Angie Hudson) Mills; treasured grandfather of Johannah, Theodore, Kristopher, Brandon, Nicolas, Jacob, Zechariah, Fawn, Felicity, Gabriel, Charlotte, Kylie, Piper, Cadence and great-grandfather of Jared and Madelaine; and dear brother of Doris Brinson, Frankye (Warren) May, June (Mark) Wygoda, Becki (Dave) Evans and the late Tim (Angie) Nelson.
This obituary was originally published by Paul R. Young Funeral Home.
