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Ken Nelson was born January 17, 1944 and grew up in South Gate, living on Annetta and Tenaya. He attended Bryson Avenue Elementary and South Gate Junior and Senior High Schools. Although he didn't play sports in high school, he played on the park football teams and the 7-Up Baseball team. He also loved cars. His warm smile and friendly personality made it easy to like him and everyone did. When our class of 400 entered high school, Kenny reigned as king at our Howdy Hop and was our class president our first two semesters.
Kenny married his high school sweetheart, Cathy, and they had two children, Valerie and Randy, and lived in Lynwood for a time and eventually Cerritos. From time to time, they would get together socially with classmates Tom (W'62) and Jackie Lanier Lucas (S'62). During their marriages, Kenny and Jackie helped one another with their spouses through very difficult times. Eventually both marriages ended in divorce. However, Kenny and Jackie remained close friends.
Through the years Kenny worked as a machinist and had his own business as well as working for others. In 1995 he married Velda and they made their home in La Mirada. They were happily married for 23 years until her passing in 2018. Kenny and Velda attended our 30th, 40th, 50th and 55th Reunions and we were blessed to see Kenny at our 60th.
In the last few years, Kenny suffered with heart problems. His forever friend, Jackie, helped take care of him when she could. Recently while he was being treated for heart problems and in a lot of pain, the doctors did a CT scan that showed a tumor wrapped around his ribs and two ribs were broken. He began treatment for the inoperable cancer but his condition rapidly deteriorated. Sadly, Kenny passed away in the hospital on August 1, 2023.
We remember Kenny as one of the nicest people you could know, who was kind, generous and caring. He is dearly missed by his daughter, Valerie Ferrante and her husband Rick, son Randy and his wife Cory, and granddaughters Sharlyn and Jessica Nelson, along with dear friends and classmates. Rest in peace dear classmate.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 28, 2023 at 10:00 AM at:
White Emerson Mortuary
13304 Philadelphia Street
Whittier
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Judy Hanson (Dillard)
So sorry to hear of Kens' passing. My heartfelt prayers go out to his son and daughter and their families.May he Rest in Peace.
Sue King (Ross)
Met Kenny in 9th grade. He always had a smile and nice things to say to everyone. He and Cathy came ot our early Christmas parties. He and Jerry became friends. He had been working on a special car for years and finally got it finished. He called and said he would drive it down for Jerry to see. It got put off and when he finally could come Jerry had passed away. Jackie was a blessing to Kenny. She would come and take care of him. A wondeful friendship. No more pain Kenny. God be with you and your children.
Bonnie Benson (Concialdi)
Went to Bryson and Jr. and Sr High with Kenny and he was one of the nicest guys at South Gate! I remember him being our King, and Peggy Perkins our Queen, at the Howdy Dance in 10th grade. Vince and I would see Kenny at our reunions and we got to know his wife, Zelda. He cared dearly for her and was lost after she passed away. When he had the beginning of his heart trouble, he called me and we prayed for him. I was so touched to see what a beautiful friendship he and Jackie Lanier had through the years. Kenny came to our 60th Reunion but wasn't in the best of health. We miss you, dear friend! Rest in peace and may the Lord comfort and hold close those loved ones he left behind
Barbara Micel (Mayotte)
Dear Kenny, God Bless you - You were always so much fun in school.