Kenneth A. Nash

Kenneth Allan Nash, 8/23/30 - 11/02/18 Our dad, Ken Nash, left us on Friday, Nov 2, to join his beloved wife Marie in Heaven. Kenneth was born August 23, 1930 in Oklahoma City, the first child to Leo K. and Clarice I. Ritter Nash of Hughes County, Oklahoma. Kenneth attended Grover Cleveland Grade School, Taft Junior High and Classen High School graduating in 1948. He and his younger brother, Lynn Nash, grew up riding along with their dad to bust up illegal liquor stills in rural Oklahoma. He married Marie Wilkinson June 20, 1952 and seven children were born of this marriage, Robert, William, Richard, Leo, Teresa, Carla, and Maria. Dad was heavily involved in our activities growing up, including Boy Scouts, band and musical events, and sporting events with his kids. Dad's police whistle being blown was the sign for all the neighborhood kids to come in for the night. He was very proud of all his kids and grand-kids and loved supporting them in their activities. Dad used to say he had the best family ever! Kenneth was a firm believer in the value of education. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Oklahoma, Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of Oklahoma and his Juris Doctor degree from Oklahoma City University. Kenneth was also enrolled for four years in the Air Force ROTC program at OU. He was a member of the Oklahoma City Police Department from 1952-1972, retiring as Assistant to the Chief with the rank of Major. He was the Director of the Oklahoma City/County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council from 1972 -1985 and was instrumental in obtaining OKCPD's first helicopter. He was Assistant Municipal Attorney from 1985-1999 and retired as Chief Prosecutor for the City of Oklahoma City. He served under four Governors on the Oklahoma Crime Commission. Ken was a founding member of the Oklahoma City Police Association (formerly the Oklahoma City Police Benefit Fund) and was awarded a sixty year service appreciation award in 2012. Kenneth was Past President of the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training. He served as Adjunct Professor at OSU-OKC and OCU where he was instrumental in the design of a BA degree in Professional Law Enforcement. He served as President, Board of Directors of Municipal Employees Credit Union. Kenneth was Chairman of the Oklahoma Police Retirement Board and Past President of the Oklahoma County Mental Health Association. He was Past President of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 123 and a member of the National FOP Board of Directors. He also served on the board of Sunbeam Family Services for many years. Dad was active in the Putnam Heights Neighborhood Association, Mayfair Kiwanis and Knights of Columbus. Dad believed he had been blessed and gave back to his community. Ken was inducted into the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2015, "commemorating outstanding men and women who by their actions and personal integrity merit the ultimate recognition as an outstanding leader in the fields of Oklahoma law enforcement". Kenneth received his 60 year membership award from the Oklahoma County Bar Association in 2016. Kenneth and Marie were life-long members of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and involved in their activities. Dad had many interests. He loved to play the piano. He loved to tap dance with his beloved Linda Tarpley's Tappers. He read a book a day up until his last week. His favorite team was the St. Louis Cardinals and his favorite memory was attending the World Series with his son Rick. Dad and Mom had a lake place at Lake Texoma for many years and loved their time at the lake with family. He enjoyed pheasant hunting with friends in Nebraska and salmon fishing in Alaska. Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife Marie, son-in-law Paul Roewe, former daughter-in-law Ellen Nash Baer and infant great-granddaughter Harper Secrest. Kenneth is survived by his brother Lynn and sister-in-law Della Nash, children Robert and Jody Nash, Bill and Dee Nash, Rick and Katrina Nash, Leo and Sharon Nash, Teresa and Richard Warner, Carla Nash Richter, Maria and Curt Meyer, 20 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and close friends. Wake service will be Thursday, November 8 at 7:00 PM preceded by a family visitation beginning at 5:30 PM in Connor Center at Our Lady's Cathedral. Mass of Christian Burial will be said on Friday, November 9 at 11 AM at Our Lady's Cathedral, NW 32 and Western, Oklahoma City with final interment at Resurrection Cemetery. The family wishes to give a special appreciation to the wonderful staffs at St. Ann's Retirement Center, Heaven House, and Good Shepherd Hospice for giving Ken dignity and special care during his final days. Donations in Ken's name may be made to the Special Olympics, Catholic Charities, or Our Lady's Cathedral.