Kevin Nash

Kevin Nash, 54 of Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on October 2, 2026, surrounded by the family and friends who loved him most.

He was born July 22, 1972, to Barbara Gustafson and William "Bill" Nash, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Dawn LaMaster, as well as several aunts and uncles.

On October 18, 1996, Kevin married the love of his life, Nellie. They spent 30 years building a life together-a life filled with love, laughter, raising children, traveling, adventures, good times, difficult times, arguments, tears, and countless memories. It was a life that was real and imperfect and beautiful in its own way. Through all of it, they continued to choose each other and find their way together. There was never a question of how much they loved each other.

Kevin leaves behind his wife, Nellie; his children, Joshua Nash of Beardstown and Meggan Nash of Virginia; and his three grandchildren, Zaid, Jaxen, and Aspen.

To Kevin, family was everything. He would do anything for the people he loved. He worked hard his entire life to provide for his family, and took great pride, and knowing that the people he loved were taken care of. He was protective, dependable, and fiercely loyal. His family was his greatest accomplishment, and nothing made him prouder than being a husband, father, and grandfather.

Kevin attended the Beardstown school system. He began his career with Buster Sanitation over two decades ago and remained with the same company throughout the years as it became Area Disposal and eventually GFL Environmental. He dedicated more than two decades of his life to his work.

Kevin was a hard worker. He believed that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing correctly. He was a straight shooter who told you exactly what he thought. You never had to guess where you stood with Kevin. He was honest, sometimes stubborn, sometimes hardheaded, but always genuine. He worked hard because providing for his family mattered to him.

But Kevin wasn't all work. He knew how to have a good time.

He loved parties in the garage, being surrounded by friends and family, and of course, a good Red Bull and vodka. He loved the noise, the laughter, the music, the stories, and the people. You could always find Kevin in the garage with a mic in his hand, singing his favorite songs, and more often than not, James was right there with him, singing, along and enjoying the moment. Not to worry, though-Kevin always had a mic for you too, even if you didn't know you wanted one.

Some of the happiest memories of Kevin were probably the simplest ones- Standing around the garage with people he loved, a mic in his hand, and others singing along, laughing until his stomach hurt, giving someone a hard time, and just enjoying life. Those garage nights were about Kevin doing what he loved most-being surrounded by people he cared about and making memories with them.

If Kevin considered you a friend or family, he cared about you deeply. He gave people-often many more than they deserved. His loyalty ran deep. But Kevin was also Kevin, and eventually there came a point where enough was enough. When that happened, there was no pretending otherwise. The honesty was part of who he was.

Kevin has survived by his aunts Jesse (Mike) Gustafson of Rushville, Shirley (Jim) Bush of Midland, MI. His brother, Bill, and his many cousins, with whom he shared memories and adventures while growing up, along with numerous extended family members and friends who became part of his life.

But there was one person who knew Kevin in a way that no one else ever could-Nellie.

For nearly 30 years, she was his wife, his partner, his family, his person, and the one who stood beside him through every chapter of their life together. She loved him through the good days and the bad ones, through the laughter and the tears, through the adventures and ordinary days. She loved him when life was easy and when it was anything, but.

And when Kevin became sick, she stayed beside him and carried out his wishes to be comfortable and surrounded by love and family. Kevin's battle with lung cancer was long and hard. He fought to stay with the people he loved. In the end, he was able to be home, surrounded by his family and friends, held by the love that surrounded him throughout his life.

Kevin leaves behind more than photographs and memories. He leaves pieces of himself and the people he loved.

His children Joshua and Meggan will carry his lessons, his stubbornness, his humor, his work ethic, and his love. His grandchildren will grow up, remembering the man their grandfather was-the man who loved his family fiercely, gave horse rides in the front room, and who would have done anything for them. His friends will remember the laughter, the garage parties, the karaoke, the stories, the drinks, the arguments, the infamous jump from the roof, the second chances, and all the good times. Nellie will carry nearly 30 years of a life and a love that can never be replaced.

Kevin was not perfect, and he never claimed to be. He was simply Kevin-a straight shooter, a hard worker, a loyal friend, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and the husband who was a love of Nellie's life.

He worked hard. He played hard. He loved hard. And when he loved you, he loved you completely.

His family was his world, and there is no doubt that he was theirs.

Kevin fought his fight. He loved his life, his way, unapologetically. He loved his people. He was loved beyond words, will be missed beyond measure, and will never be forgotten.

A final message from Nellie. Kevin, my love. I don't know how I am supposed to say goodbye to you after almost 30 years of saying we instead of you and me.

We grew up together. We built a life together. We raised children together. We traveled, had adventures, laughed, cried, fought, made up, and somehow always found our way back to each other.

You were my husband, but you were so much more than that. You were my person. You were the love of my life.

I would give anything for one more conversation, one more laugh, one more kiss, one more ordinary day with you. I would even take one more argument, because it would mean you were still here.

I hope you knew how deeply I loved you. I hope you knew how much you meant to me, to Joshua and Meggan, to your grandchildren, and to all the people who are lucky enough to call you, family or friend.

You fought so hard to stay. And I wish more than anything that fighting had been enough to keep you here.

But you don't have to fight anymore.

You can rest now, my love.

I will carry you with me for the rest of my life-in every memory, every song, every laugh, every family gathering, and in the hearts of the children and grandchildren we made together.

30 years was not enough. A lifetime would not have been enough.

Find my dad, tell him I love him or sing an old Hank song. I love you Kevin. I always will. Until we meet again, my love.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown. Family and friends will be invited to share memories and stories during the service, which will conclude within one hour.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to the family of Kevin Nash. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.