Kenneth Leon Chesnut Sr.

Kenneth Leon Chesnut Sr., 92, Nevada, Mo., passed from this life on Monday, Nov. 17, 2014, at Moore-Few Care Center, in Nevada. Kenny was born on May 27, 1922, in Deerfield, Mo., to Samuel B. Chesnut and Ada E. (Summerskill) Chesnut. He was united in marriage to Eileen Gilliland on June 8, 1951, in Bentonville, Ark., and she preceded him in death on Oct. 1, 1996.

Kenny was raised in Deerfield and attended school in Nevada. He then served in the United States Army from November 1942 until January 1946, during World War II, in the Western Pacific as a landing craft operator. While in Siapan, Kenny was injured and later received a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. Following his time in the service Kenny returned to Deerfield to farm. He later worked for M.K.T. Railroad for 11 years and then worked for Lawrence and Son's Sawmill in Deerfield for 30 years, until his retirement. He was a lifelong resident of Deerfield. Kenny was a past member of the VFW, Nevada.

Survivors include one son, K. Leon Chesnut Jr. and his wife, Linda, Nevada; one daughter, Carla Chesnut McDougal and her friend, Robert, Sheldon; grandson, K.L. Chesnut III (Buddy) and his wife, Amanda, Nevada; great-grandchildren, Kasey Chesnut and his wife, Carol, Kelsey Hammontree and Jacob Hammontree; great-great grandchildren, Cynthia and Lorelei Chestnut; and grandson-in-law, Joe Hammontree, Nevada. In addition to his wife, Eileen, he was preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter, Leonette Hammontree; and brother, John Chesnut.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 21, at Deerfield Cemetery, in Deerfield, Mo., with the Rev. Bill Smith officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m., Thursday, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

Contributions may be made in his name to the Deerfield Cemetery Association in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.