Denny Keith Nelson

Denny Keith Nelson was born October 16, 1940, to Cecil and Venora Nelson. He grew up in Oklahoma, attending Clearlake Elementary School and later graduating from Laverne High School. Those early years helped shape the strong work ethic and values that guided him throughout his life. During his childhood, he spent countless hours with one of his favorite people, his grandmother, Grandma Nelson. He especially loved the time they shared together and never forgot her homemade lemon meringue pie, which was one of his favorite treats.

On June 29, 1962, Denny married the love of his life, Evelyn Irene Elston. Together they built a loving home and shared a lifetime of devotion to one another. Their marriage was marked by deep love, commitment, and a strong devotion to God and family.

Denny spent several years serving the community of Beaver, Oklahoma, where he proudly ran the Conoco gas station. During this time he built many friendships and was known for his kindness, reliability, and willingness to help others.

In 1972, Denny moved his family to Elkhart, Kansas, where he went to work at Beacon Supply alongside his brother, Monty. The year they spent there created many special memories as Denny watched his children grow up alongside their cousins.

After the passing of his father, Denny and his family returned to his family’s farm. There he dedicated his life to farming and ranching, raising wheat and hay and tending a cow/calf operation. The land meant a great deal to him, and he worked it faithfully until his retirement.

Denny was a master mechanic and skilled carpenter who could fix or build just about anything. He also enjoyed working with leather, crafting saddles, purses, belts, and chaps. Denny loved spending time outdoors with his family, especially camping and fishing. Teaching family and friends how to water ski was one of his favorite pastimes, but teaching his grandchildren how to fish held a special place in his heart.

Denny also loved visiting with family and recounting stories from years gone by. He had a gift for remembering the details of the past and sharing them with others, earning him the title of family historian and storyteller.

Denny was a proud father to two children, Danna Denise and Darren Keith. His family was the center of his life and one of his greatest blessings. He was also blessed with three grandchildren: Ryan Carl, Zachary Keith, and Elizabeth Land. They were truly his pride and joy. To them, he was more than a grandfather—he was their hero and best friend.

Denny went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 7, 2026, in Beaver, Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Olive Nelson, his parents; his sister, Helen; his brother, Monty; and a baby sister.

He is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn; daughter Danna and husband Kevin of Beaver; son Darren and wife Rebecca of Fort Worth; grandson Ryan Nelson and fiancé Jacquelyne Snider of Buffalo; grandson Zachary and wife Emilee of Fairview; and granddaughter Elizabeth of Norman, and two sisters, Mary Evans of Laverne and Joyce Ballard of Moorhead, MN; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Evee and Avery Nelson of Fairview, and Caidence, Paige, Libby, Anny, Ari, and Karter Snider of Buffalo who brought him great joy.

Denny will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of the land, his talent for working with his hands, and his unwavering devotion to God and his family.

His stories, laughter, and wisdom will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Though he will be deeply missed, his family takes comfort in the promise that he has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and now rests in the presence of his Lord and Savior.

Memorials may be sent to the following:

The Clearlake/Fairview Cemetery

150695 EW 22 Rd

Beaver, OK 73932

The Midway Country Church

150695 EW 22 Rd.

Laverne, Oklahoma 73848