Kenneth G.  "Ken" Nation Oblong, Illinois Obituary

Kenneth G. "Ken" Nation

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.
October 30, 1943 - October 26, 202010/30/194310/26/2020
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Karl Graham
November 8, 2020
I'm very sorry for your loss and there is no replacing a man like Mr. Nation. I hold the memories of 5th Grade to 8th Grade track and field very close to my heart and soul. Easily the best time in my and my friends lives. We had some much success with a bare bones progra... Continue Reading
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wi
November 3, 2020
To the Family of Ken Nation, We both went to Elm Park School, Sullivan, IN. We played Babe Ruth Baseball for the Sullivan State Bank together. We were commuters to ISU and spent countless hours playing cards in the commuters lounge. He was a very good card player. I... Continue Reading
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Rita Diel
November 3, 2020
Cheryl, Kimberly, and Bart--So sorry to hear of Ken's death. I have many good memories of Ken when we taught together at Oblong Junior High. --Rita Diel
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Doris (Cox)Wiesike
November 2, 2020
A candle was posted for Kenneth G.  "Ken" Nation.
A candle was posted for Kenneth G. "Ken" Nation.
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Doris (Cox)Wiesike
November 2, 2020
It does not seem that long ago I saw him shopping at WalMart. Whenever he taught his class, he always spoke proudly of his wife. He loved his wife and he loved his Packers. To the man who taught me all I know of history. So sorry for your loss.
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Konita Jordan Shedelbower
November 1, 2020
My sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Nation. Altho I was not a huge fan of history when I was in his class in the mid 80's, he was still a good teacher to others. In April of 2013, he paid his respects to my daddy (Roy Dean Jordan) and for that I am very grateful.... Continue Reading
A candle was posted for Kenneth G.  "Ken" Nation.
A candle was posted for Kenneth G. "Ken" Nation.
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Deborah Mendenhall
October 31, 2020
Prayers for all his family!! Mr Nation was a great teacher and kind man who always let his thoughts be known.. Great coach to many people over the years !! Rip
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Floyd Carlen
October 31, 2020
Cheryl, Kimberly, and Bart, Ken was a great brother-in-law, but since we have lived so far away for the last 29 years we didn't see very him often, but each time we did, Ken was always very friendly. He knew a lot about history and world events, and of course was one of ... Continue Reading
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Carol Henry
October 30, 2020
So sorry for your loss, Cheryl. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
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Mac Leckey
October 29, 2020
Ken reminded me a lot of my own Dad so naturally when I saw them together I was certain that meant that I was in huge trouble about something... even over a decade after graduation! I am so grateful for the privilege and honor of having had him as a teacher and a friend.... Continue Reading