Kenneth Wayne Nelson

Kenneth Wayne Nelson went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 6, 2023. Kenneth was born in Nida, Oklahoma, on September 24, 1934, to Leonard H. and Rachel L. Nelson. Kenneth graduated from Grant High School and attended Paris Junior College. After school, he joined the team at Southwestern Bell, where he was an exemplary employee for over 30 years.

In 1957, Kenneth married the love of his life, Sharon Osterhout, and they created a beautiful life and legacy together. After moving around to various locations, they eventually planted their roots in Longview, Texas, in 1971.

Kenneth, or Papa as he was so affectionately known to many, loved and cherished his family, friends, and precious pooches. He was the kindest, sweetest, most generous man. To know Papa was to love Papa. He often sacrificed his own time, money, and interests for the sake of those he loved. He was selfless, always had a smile on his face and had a great sense of humor. He loved sitting on his back porch with his dogs, watching Texas Rangers baseball, and spending time with family.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Chester Nelson and Larry Nelson; his sister, Bonnie Rich; brother-in-law, Charles Rich; sister-in-law, Linda Nelson; and daughter-in-law, Renee Nelson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Sharon Osterhout Nelson of Longview, Texas; daughter, Linda Martin (Carey) and son, Keith Nelson, Sr., both of Longview, Texas; grandchildren, Holly Johnston (Jered), Cody Martin (Tammy), Keith Nelson, Jr., Hunter Martin, Mark Nelson, Kristi Nelson, Nichole Martin, and Jamie Olivas (Omar); his sister, Bettye San Roman (Gilbert) of Raton, New Mexico; brothers, Harold Nelson of Chouteau, Oklahoma and Alvie Nelson (Beverly) of Durant, Oklahoma, and sister-in-law, Sharon Nelson of Hugo, Oklahoma. He is also lovingly survived by numerous great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren, all of whom he adored, and many nieces and nephews. A heartfelt thank you to Visiting Angels of Longview, and especially Chelsey and Madi, for their care and devotion.

A private, graveside service will be held at Grant Cemetery in Grant, Oklahoma, on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial gifts, in his honor, may be made to the Grant Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 154, Grant, Oklahoma 74738.

Family and friends are invited to sign the guest book or send private condolences to the family at www.praterlampton.com.

Funeral arrangements were trusted to Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey Funeral Home, 216 E Jackson Hugo, OK 74743, (580) 326-6464.

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