Lendy Kenneth Nelson

Lendy Kenneth Nelson, 92, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 7, 2019. He was a native of the NWFL Panhandle, being born in Holley, Florida on June 6, 1927, to Nels Gustav Nelson and Alma Jordan Nelson. He served as a Paratrooper in World War II. In 1992, he retired from Civil Service, with 44 years at Eglin Air Force Base.

Kenneth was a talented upholsterer in an early career, creative and inventive. He had several suggestions that were implemented by the Air Force at Eglin AFB. Being an avid fisherman, he loved the water, boating and was a master of throwing a cast net. Always ready with a quick smile and laugh, he was willing to help anyone at any time and generous to all, especially his family. He will be missed by many.

Lendy was known by many names such as, Daddy-O, Kenneth, Kenny, Mr. Lendy, L.K., Mr. Smiley, Papa Bear, Lightning, and above all, Daddy.

Kenneth is survived by his wife of 67 years, Margine Nelson; one son, Lendy K. Nelson, Jr. and wife Tanya Wood Nelson; and one daughter, Sherry L. Nelson Paris and husband Albert Paris. He is also survived by three brothers, Leo Cranford Nelson, N. G. Nelson, and F. N. Nelson; five sisters, Tillie Stephens, Bertha Edwards, Gussie Elmore, and husband, Dewey Elmore, Audrey Walters, and Christine Anderson; three sister in laws, Imogene Armstrong, Carlene Pearce and husband Ted Pearce, Arline Griffith and husband, Chuck Griffith; plus several generations of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 12, 2019 at Davis-Watkins Funeral Home at 113 Racetrack Road NE, Fort Walton Beach at 11 A.M.  The family will receive guests for a time of visitation one hour prior to the service. Reverend Tim Burnham and Reverend Dean DeMarra are officiating.  Burial will follow at Beal Memorial Cemetery.

Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to First Baptist Church of DeFuniak Springs, 216 Live Oak Ave E, Defuniak Springs, FL 32435 or to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

The family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to all the friends and caregivers, who assisted, cared for and prayed for Lendy during this time.

Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home.  To share memories, express condolences, and sign the guestbook, please visit www.DavisWatkins.com