Nelson Cavender (Veteran)

Nelson (Tod) Cavender, age 77, of Pacific, passed away Thursday, October 7, 2010, at his home. He was born on November 7, 1932, in Jefferson City, the third son of Dudley Benjamin Cavender and Lora Frances (Shouse) Cavender. He was married on April 1, 1955, in Linn, to Betty Lockwood. Nelson (Tod) attended elementary school in Linn and in St. Louis and graduated from Linn High School in 1951. Following high school graduation, he attended Central Missouri State College, Warrensburg, graduating in 1954 with a BS in Education. Following college graduation, Nelson served in the U.S. Army for two years during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed at Anniston, Ala. and Columbus, Ga. After discharge, Nelson began teaching with the Rockwood School District in Eureka, where he worked as a teacher and assistant principal for 30 years, retiring in 1987. After retirement, Nelson donated many hours to community projects, especially Meals on Wheels, and was very active in his church. He served as chair of the usher committee for over 15 years, was one of the charter members of the Men's Club, where he served in several positions. He also taught Sunday School and was active in the mission program at his church. Nelson and his wife, Betty, participated in over 10 mission trips sponsored by the church. He was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge 326 in Linn, Mo. Nelson enjoyed woodworking and made many items for his home and for the annual bazaar at his church. He enjoyed sports, especially baseball and college basketball. He also enjoyed traveling and has been to all 50 states, as well as to Europe and the British Isles. Survivors include his wife, Betty; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Janet Cavender of St. Peters, Judy (Ed) Lentz of Findlay, Ohio, and Nancy (John) Cox of Utica, Ky.; four grandchildren, Sam Lentz of Louisville, Ky., Tyler Lentz of Findlay, Ohio, Emily Lentz of Findlay, Ohio, and Christopher Cox of Utica, Ky.; two brothers, Ted (Beth) of Eureka and James (Florida). Another brother, Harold, proceded him in death in 2003. Visitation will be 9 to 11 a.m., Saturday, October 16, at Pacific United Methodist Church, in Pacific. The memorial service will immediately follow. Interment and a graveside service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, October 18, at the Linn Memorial Park Cemetery in Linn. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pacific United Methodist Church, 1516 West St. Louis St., Pacific, MO 63069 or to the BJC Hospice program of Sullivan, MO at P.O. Box 504043, St. Louis, MO 63150-0001. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Bell Funeral Home, Pacific.