Kenneth G. “Ken” Nation, 76, Oblong, IL was surrounded by his family when he passed away on Monday October 26, 2020. He was residing at the United Methodist Village in Lawrenceville, IL. Ken was born on October 30, 1943 in Sullivan, IN. He was the son of William Freeman Nation and Mary Ethel (Hayes) Nation. On December 22, 1979 he married the love of his life Cheryl Carlen. They were married for 40 years. Ken graduated from Sullivan High School, Sullivan, IN Class of 1961, where he played baseball, and then from Indiana State University with a Bachelor’s in Education, majoring in history and P.E. He joined the United States Air Force and served four years during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Alaska and Japan. After the service, he taught social studies at Oblong Junior High and High Schools for 40 years. While teaching, he finished his Master’s Degree. Ken was a dedicated teacher and could remember all of the students he had ever had. He coached track, basketball, and baseball. Ken was also a member of the First Christian Church of Oblong. He was a devoted father to his children, attending all of their school activities and helping them move numerous times. As everyone can tell you, Ken was a huge fan of the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed attending the IHSA State Track Meet, listening to polka and doo-wop, and watching Jackie Chan movies. Ken is survived by his wife Cheryl Nation, Oblong, IL; daughter Kimberly Nation and granddog “Peanut”, Vincennes, IN; son Bart Nation, Oblong, IL; sister Janie Nation, Sullivan, IN; and nephew Norman Lee Nation, Graysville, IN. Preceding him in death were his parents; infant daughter Katrina Sue; brother Norman Nation; father-in-law and mother-in-law Floyd and Lydia Carlen, and his special pet dogs Sandy, Rascal, and Cocoa. A Celebration of Ken’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday November 2, 2020 at First Christian Church 209 N. Range St Oblong, IL with Military Rites being conducted by Oblong American Legion Post #219. Burial will be in Center Ridge Cemetery, Sullivan, IN. Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 P.M. Sunday at First Christian Church of Oblong. An expression of sympathy may take the form of a contribution to the American Heart Association or Alzheimer’s Association. Envelopes will be at the church or may be mailed to Pulliam Funeral Home P.O. Box 121 Oblong, IL 62449. The family has requested that due to Covid-19 mandates that everyone please wear a face covering while attending the services. Condolences and or memories may be sent to the family at pulliamfuneralhomes.com Pulliam Funeral Home in Oblong, IL is in charge of arrangements.