of Conway, AR
August 31, 1945 - September 2, 2023
Kenton Keith Kelso, 78, of Conway, Arkansas passed away peacefully Saturday, September 2, 2023. He is now healed, healthy and happy in Heaven with Jesus.
Ken (as he was called), was born August 31, 1945 in Cheyenne, Wyoming to Dr. Gerald F. Kelso and Florence R. Kelso. Ken was their only son and had 3 sisters. Most of his childhood was spent in Wahiawa, Oahu, Hawaii. After graduation from High School in 1963, he and his family moved to Central Arkansas where Ken lived until his death.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Karen Kelso-Hill and Kathleen Kelso; his nephew, Kevin D. Strannigan and his previous mother-in-law, Bertha M. Garner, who he loved so much.
Ken leaves behind his wife, Nancy; his sister, Kristine Kelso-Alexander (Jack) of Edmond, Oklahoma; his daughters, Kim Hood (Mark) of North Little Rock and Kara Jones (Donald) of Lexington, South Carolina; his grandchildren, Josh Melikian of Sherwood, Tyler Hood of North Little Rock and Madison Jones and Mallory Jones of Columbia, South Carolina. He also leaves to cherish his memory Nancy's children, Emily Blair and Frank Warren both of Conway; Nancy's grandson, Dalton Blair of Conway and her great-grandsons, Cash Blair and Jackson Blair of Conway. He also leaves behind a niece, a nephew and many friends.
Ken worked hard since he was 8 years old. He started as a newspaper carrier for his local newspaper in Hawaii. He worked many different jobs in his life. He spent 20 years in the Radiology Department of the VA Medical Center in Little Rock and North Little Rock. When he retired from the VA, he began his career in law enforcement which was his favorite career. He worked for Little Rock Police Department, North Little Rock Police Department, Conway Police Department, Faulkner County Sheriff's Office and finally served for a short time as Chief of Police in Mt. Vernon, Arkansas. Most recently, Ken drove busses for the University of Central Arkansas and enjoyed visiting with the students.
Ken was a member of Landmark Missionary Church in Vilonia, Arkansas. He had even begun taking seminary classes in the last few years of his life. He loved studying the Bible and teaching at his church. Ken's life is a testimony of grace, mercy and forgiveness. We know without a doubt that Ken is celebrating in Heaven. We will miss him more than we can put into words but we know that we will see him again.
Ken's Celebration of Life will be held Friday, September 8, 2023 at Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Vilonia. Visitation will begin at 1:00pm followed by the service at 2:00pm.
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15 Condolence(s)
Laura and David Massey
Friday, September 8, 2023
Condolences to the family and especially his wife Nancy ! We love you and are praying for you !
Kim Long
Friday, September 8, 2023
Nancy I'm so sorry your loss. I'll be praying for you.
Angela young
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Prayers and thoughts are with this family. From all the Employees at Dollar General in Holland Arkansas
Gary and Sidney Matthews
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Remembering our many fellowship gatherings at your home playing ‘Train’ and camping with friends at Canton, TX. Our heartfelt condolences for your beloved family.
Brenda Ryan
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
My thoughts and prayers go out to Kenton's family and friends.
Greg & Myrtle Miller
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
We will miss you Ken. You will always be in our hearts & we will keep you
In our thoughts.
Bob Barham
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
I worked with Ken in law enforcement for many years. He was a friend to me, and many others. He will be missed. Rest easy ole' friend. My deepest sympathy and prayers for his family.
Pete Deden
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
I've know Ken for many years. So sorry to hear of his passing. A great guy that will be missed.
Barbara Jones
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
We will keep the family in our thoughts and prayers.
Curtis & Hope Terry
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
We did many things together from cruses ,camping many trips to Big Cedar and family get togethers .I know the last 2 years was tough on him , he knew where he was going and talked about it many times I too know where he is and till we meet again .Will watch out for Nancy also for you Ken .
Rachael Smith
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Ken was my coworker at UCA, he loved driving the shuttle and visiting with his coworkers and students. I loved to listen to his stories as a policeman .Lee and I will miss you so,but we are glad you are resting and at peace now.
Scott manning
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
I remember working for ken at FCSO. I remember telling him where I grew up in NLR and come to find out I knew kim and another daughter from the neighborhood and elementary school. Ken was inspirational in my dream to become a deputy. RIP ole friend
Staci Guthrie
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
I have fond childhood memories of you playing with Kim, Kara and me when we were young. I think upon you with sweet memories. Thank you for the joy and friendship you brought my family all those many years ago. Now go celebrate in Heaven! We’ll be looking for you as we come in through the eastern gate!
Staci Guthrie
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
I have fond childhood memories of you playing with Kim, Kara and me when we were young. I think upon you with sweet memories. Thank you for the joy and friendship you brought my family all those many years ago. Now go celebrate in Heaven! We’ll be looking for you as we come in through the eastern gate!
Benny & Patty Battles
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
We are both saddened by Ken's passing. He was a dedicated co-worker, and true friend to his very core. Our prayers are with his family in the coming days.