NELSON (TOD) CAVENDER of Pacific, Missouri passed away on October 7, 2010 at his home in Pacific, Missouri.

He was born on November 7, 1932 in Jefferson City, Missouri, the third son of Dudley Benjamin Cavender and Lora Francis (Shouse) Cavender.

He was married on April 1, 1955 in Linn, Missouri to Betty Lockwood.

Nelson (Tod) attended elementary school in Linn, Missouri and in St. Louis and graduated from Linn High School in 1951.  Following high school graduation, he attended Central Missouri State College in Warrensburg, Missouri, 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, Alabama and Columbus, Georgia.  After discharge, Nelson began teaching with the Rockwood School District in Eureka, Missouri 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, Missouri.

Nelson enjoyed woodworking, and made many items for his home and for the annual bazaar at his church.  He enjoyed, 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, Missouri; Judy (Ed) Lentz of Findlay, Ohio; and Nancy (John) Cox of Utica, Kentucky.  He also had four grandchildren:  Sam Lentz (Louisville, Kentucky); Tyler Lentz (Findlay, Ohio); Emily Lentz (Findlay, Ohio); and Christopher Cox of Utica, Kentucky.  He is also survived by two brothers, Ted (Beth) of Eureka, Missouri and James (Florida).  Another brother, Harold, passed away in 2003.

A memorial service will be held at Pacific United Methodist Church, Pacific, Missouri at 11:00 a.m. on October 16.  Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. before the service.  Interment and a graveside service will be held at the Linn Memorial Park Cemetery, Linn, Missouri on October 18 at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pacific United Methodist Church, 1516 West St. Louis Street, Pacific, Missouri 63069 or to the BJC Hospice program of Sullivan, Missouri at P.O. Box 504043, St. Louis, Missouri 63150-0001.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Bell Funeral Home, Pacific, Missouri.