James "Ken" Nelson

Funeral Services for James “Ken” Nelson, age 78, of Cookeville, will be Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Dyer Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Cooke Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening, February 28, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and again Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until time of the service at the Funeral Home. Mr. Nelson passed away Wednesday, February 26, 2014 peacefully and surrounded by his family at his home. Ken was born February 24, 1936 in Overton County TN to the late John Thomas Nelson and Myrtle Newberry Nelson. He was a member of the Sycamore Church of Christ, and was a loving father and grandfather. Ken had a reputation for growing great watermelons and enjoyed golfing and fishing. Ken is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sue Nelson; two daughters, Melissa and husband Steve Draper of Highland Community, Regina and husband Vernon Wilson of Cookeville; eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren; one brother Z.L. Nelson of Cookeville and two sisters and brothers-in-law, Beulah and Grady Bilbrey of Cookeville and Daisy and Helton Hickey of Michigan. In addition to his parents, Mr. Nelson was preceded in death by one daughter, Karen Matzen; four brothers,, Milo, J.T., Demon, and Elmer Nelson; and one sister, Eunetta Bowman. Pallbearers will be grandsons. Brother Horace Burks will officiate the services.