P. K. Nance

1932 - 2013

P. K. Nance February 1, 1932 - July 15, 2013 Phillip Keith Nance was born on February 1st 1932 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. During the Dust Bowl, Phillip and his family migrated to Madera, California. Known by family and Friends simply as PK, he grew up in Madera until he joined the U.S. Navy, serving for four years during the Korean War. After the war ended, PK returned to the US, married Thelma Lou Renfro, joined the carpenters union (where he worked for 58 years before retiring), and settled in southern California to raise a family. Together, PK and Thelma raised five children: Rod, Joe, Sandy, Belinda, and Robin. He and Thelma went on to have 17 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Being well-balanced and passionate about life, PK was a lifelong artist, a skilled archer, a horse packer, an avid reader, and a woodsman who had a deep appreciation for nature and the great outdoors. As a young couple, PK and Thelma also enjoyed square dancing and spent much of their time organizing and attending dances. PK was a unique blend of honor and wholesomeness, and what distinguished him as a person was that he truly embodied what he wished the world to be. By his example, he taught those around him that there is nothing so kind or gentle as true strength. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. July 31st at Greenlawn Mortuary. www.bakersfield.com/obits