Keith Nelson, 76, of Massena

Mass of Christian Burial: Will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, rural Cumberland with burial in the St. Timothy’s Catholic Cemetery with full military graveside rites by the Full Military Graveside Rites by the Anita American Legion Post No. 210 & Army Color Guard.  A luncheon will be at the church hall following the burial.  The Lamb Funeral Home in Massena is in charge of the professional arrangements.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com.

Family Visitation:  The family will greet friends on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at the Lamb Funeral Home in Massena from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Memorials:  May be directed to the Wounded Warriors.

Keith Wayne Nelson died at his home Sunday December 3 after a long dementia illness of ten years.  He was born June 13, 1947 to Harold and Myrtle McIntosh Nelson.  He attended a one room school until 4th grade and then graduated with the class of 1965 from C & M High School.

He enlisted in the Army in July of 1968 and was sent to Vietnam during the TeT Offensive.  His military job was a crew chief of a Huey helicopter maintenance & repair crew of 10.  He assured the work was done correctly as it was required of him to take every test flight with the pilot.  He was stationed about 8 miles from the DMZ.  He was honorably discharged in 1970.  He saved his military pay and bought his first tractor, a 3020, in the Spring of 1971.

He married Kathleen Cullen on September 11, 1976.  Three daughters were born to this union:  Kathryn, Susan and Stephanie.  They farmed in the Massena and Cumberland areas all of their lives.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, daughters Kathryn and Stephanie of Massena and Susan Miller of Bridgewater.  He was the principal caregiver for his disabled daughter Stephanie.  He has one grandson, Hunter Miller.  He was the principal babysitter of Hunter 3 days a week for 9 years.  He is also survived by one sister, Ruth Roberts, of Norwalk.  He has two nieces:  Anita Westlake (Doug) of Indianola and Joan Koch (Kendall) of Van Meter.  Also, great nieces & nephews include Aubrey, Katie and Joe Westlake and Leo & Levi Koch.