Obituary of Kenneth Lanear Nelson

Kenneth Lanier Nelson, Sr., also known as “Pup", born November 14th 1948, aged 74, passed away Sunday, July 2nd 2023 at 3:46 PM at HCA Florida Fort Walton Beach-Destin Hospital after battling respiratory failure due to Asbestosis of the lung. Ken took his last breath  surrounded by his two surviving daughters, Trisha (Ray) Sawdon and Sonja (Shane Sr) Castjohn. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, Shane (Courtney ) Castjohn Jr, Brandon Castjohn, Danielle (Justin) Ream, Brett Townson, Annie Townson, Chris (Seka) Nelson, Brianna (Michael) Lintz, Bethany Nelson & Bryan Sawdon.  Ken was also survived by his ex wife, Linda, whom earned the loving title of Mom to his three children as well as her son, Anthony.

 We take comfort in knowing that Dad is now at rest with Jesus and that he will be reunited with his predeceased loved ones. First wife, Mildred Ann Keller Nelson Crutchfield; daughter Melissa Antoinette Nelson; son, Kenneth L  Nelson Jr., also known as “Mutt";  parents, Clifford L "Dog" Nelson and Nona Belich Nelson Stewart; and his brother, Mitchell E Nelson, whom recently passed at his home in Sacramento, California on Wednesday, May 24th 2023 (82 yrs old).

Ken was also predeceased by many life long friends whom were more like family to include most of his "Gypsy Family" traveling work buddies whom were all Journeyman with the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Union Local 55 (Asbestos Insulators).

Dad was born in Mobile, Alabama, but raised in Escambia County, Pensacola, Florida, which he made his home base for life. Ken followed his fathers foot steps choosing to spend his career life as an Asbestos insulator with Union Local 55 out of Mobile, Alabama. Dad traveled the nation helping to build nuclear and power plants through out the late 60's on through into the late 2000's.  Because of long term exposure to Asbestos Insulation used during the pre-regulation of Asbestos installation years, his life was tragically cut short and he suffered horrifically gasping for air up until his last painful breath. His extensive lung damage was caused by evil greedy Asbestos companies whom were trying to save a few dollars rather than equip their contracted employees with knowledge of the dangers and needed preventative safety equipment.
This experience of watching him suffer on his death bed has been horrifying to say the least, but we take comfort in knowing he has been given a new heavenly body and he is no longer trapped in a wheel chair.

Family & friends are welcomed to his Celebration of Life Memorial Service this coming Saturday at 3:00 PM at the Navarre Community of Christ Church.
2111 Presidio St.
Navarre, Fl. 32566
(816) 833-1000

We are going to have a sharing time during the memorial service and would cherish anyone that would share about dad, even funny times would be amazing! 

In lieu of flowers a donation in Dads name to the Navarre Community of Christ youth fund would be greatly appreciated. Said fund will be used towards helping pay the costs for kids to go to church camp and mission work.

Navarre Community of Christ Youth Fund
2111 Presidio St.,
Navarre, Fl. 32566




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