Kenneth C. Nuzum

Kenneth C. Nuzum, 94, of Urbana, died on Friday, April 4, 2014 in his residence. He was born on August 19, 1919 in Leroy, WV, the son of Claud Nuzum and Ethel (Kittle) Richards. Ken was a 1938 graduate of Gilmore High School in Jackson Co., WV and attended The Ohio State University until 1941. He enlisted in the Air Force and served in the South Pacific as a fighter pilot. Ken flew 153 combat missions and was awarded two distinguished flying crosses and two air medals under Gen. Douglas MacArthur. After discharge from the Air Force, Ken continued his education at Ohio State University and graduated from the College of Agriculture. He taught Vocational Agriculture at Salem Local in Champaign County. In 1948, he married the former Betty Hartley. In 1950, he left teaching to sell Real Estate with the late John Baker. He was a broker for more than 60 years. Ken, a member of the Urbana United Methodist Church, was a life member of the American Legion, former member of Lions Club, Rotary Club, Champaign County Board of Elections, Boy Scouts leader, past president of the Champaign County Shrine Club, member of Harmony Lodge #8 F&AM, Antioch Shrine, York Rite Chapter, and Scottish Rite Survivors include his wife, Betty; son Robert K. Nuzum and his wife Teresa of Urbana; grandson, Sean Nuzum, a student at Ohio Northern University; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; half-sister, Carol (Gene) Collins; step-sister, Freda (Ern) Warren; step-brother, Verl Harris; step-mother, Estella Nuzum; and step-father, Ralph Richards. The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. on Monday, April 7, 2014 in the WALTER & SMITH FUNERAL HOME, Urbana, where a Masonic service will be held at 6 p.m., followed by a funeral service, with Pastor Walter Bruah officiating. A graveside service will be held at noon on Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at Elk Cemetery in McArthur, OH. Memorial contributions may be made to the Urbana United Methodist Church, 238 N. Main St., Urbana, OH 43078 or Shrine Crippled Children, c/o Al Johnson, 4373 Bump Road, Cable, OH 43009. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.walterfunerals.com.