Nancy M. Shields Kenaston
Hampton Ray Kenaston's 2nd wife Nancy M Shields was born Jan 30, 1920 in Wellington, Kent, England. The house she grew up in sat on top of a hill on the approach to London. During WWII her house was used by German Pilots as a landmark when they bombed London. For that reason it was spared some damage from the German Air Raids. Nancy's father was an engineer. Nancy's father was known as the richest man in the village (to his great amusement) . Both of Nancy's parents were active in politics. They were good friends of Edward Heath, who represented the Bexley area in the House of Commons, and later became Prime Minister. They also knew Winston Churchill. Near the end of WWII Nancy's father organized a party for the town for patriotic reasons and to raise the townspeople war weary spirit. Winston Churchill was the main speaker and local children greeted him with a rendition of Britain second national anthem, "Land of Hope and Glory" The party was a huge success. Nancy's family was very musical and her mother and two of her sisters played the piano. Nancy played violin, but according to Nancy she was not very good at it. Nancy's mother's favorite charity was Dr. Barnado's Home, an orphanage which still exists. She sponsored events to raise money for it. Nancy's father died of metastatic cancer four days short of their 50th wedding anniversary.
Nancy wanted to be a reporter as a young woman and wanted to major in journalism in college. She wanted to attend London University's King's College. However the school did not accept women until age 18, Nancy was 16 at the time. Instead she attended the National Institute of Psychology, acting on behalf of the University of Chicago, USA. an experimental college to teach a new kind of shorthand. Other classes offered included typing, bookkeeping, English, Business French and a subject called Commerce. She completed these courses and at age 18 entered King's College School of Journalism. WWII ended her college career, King's College was destroyed during the blitz.
Nancy joined the Air Raid Precautions (ARP) in 1938, the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS as it was known). She learned to recognize German Aircraft which served her well after entering the British Army. She worked as a reporter on a daily newspaper, the Bath Chronicle until called up by the Army.
In 1942 when the USA entered the war she was still in the Army. After the Eight Air Force, USA arrived, she met her future husband. Colonel Hampton Kenaston, Jr. who was her boss. She moved with the Eight Air Force to France and served as an interpreter. In early August 1945, the war was over, Nancy was invited to serve on the first international trial of war criminals, she went to Nuremberg, Germany after accepting the assignment. One of the first big criminals whose testimony she reported was Hermann Goering, head of the German Air Force. Nancy returned to England in 1946, and returned home. With Colonel Kenaston's help she found a job in the USA. It took about a year to complete the red tape. Nancy returned to the USA on Nov 15, 1946 aboard British Overseas Airways on November 15, 1946, Nancy and Hampton Kenaston were engaged to be married prior to her leaving England. She and Colonel Kenaston were married Nov 19,1946 in Norfolk, VA. Nancy and many of their friends called Colonel Kenaston "Kenny". Colonel Kenaston's first wife, Maurine D Bulow Kenaston) had died 18 months earlier. Colonel Kenaston's two girls were 16 and 18 years old, his boy was 10. Colonel Kenaston's mother Jean Mae McKee Kenaston moved to Florida and joined the family. Nancy Kenaston brought an "international flavor" to Okaloosa County in 1949 when she arrived. After 4 years as an anti-aircraft gunner with the British Army, Nancy was a court reporter with the United States Air Force and served as the official court-reporter for the Nuremburg War Crime trails.
Her husband, Hampton Ray Kenaston, died in 1968 and is buried in the Ntional Cemetery on Pensacola Naval Air Station. She planned to be buried with him until she learned that her name would be placed on the back of his tomb stone, which she felt was inappropriate, and appeared to be almost an after-thought. She now plans to be cremated and her ashes be scattered in Santa Rosa Sound, after her death.
Shortly after settling along Florida's Emerald Coast, Nancy's creative writing style and management experience in print elevate her to the position of Managing Editor at the Fort Walton Beach Playground News (now known as the Northwest Florida Daily News). Ms. Kenaston career also included serving as the Public Relations Director for the Okaloosa County School Board for 20 years.
Nancy Kenaston was a Division Captain in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and served several years as Legislative Aide to Florida State Representative, Jerry Melvin. She was also President of the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society and served as a board member of many local organizations.
Nancy Kenaston's works include: "When Destiny Steps In" (2009), the source of information for this bio. She also wrote "The Rich Heritage of Fort Walton Beach and the Communities of the Emerald Coast" (1999), and "From Cabin to Campus: A History of the Okaloosa County School System" (1977).
OBITUARY:
Much loved and respected Journalist and Public Relations Director Nancy M. Kenaston, age 92, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, at her home. She was born on Jan. 30, 1920, in Wellington, Kent, England, to Herbert Fredrick Henry Shields and Edith Muriel Walterman.
Nancy's early and formable years in England were just prior to World War II. These difficult years help prepare her for a variety of opportunities in a most recognizable and notable and prestigious career in journalism, "My first love since I was 10 years old." From her youngest age, she was as she said "unhesitatingly pressed into service." She attended Chislehurst County School, Kent, Personal Shorthand and Secretarial College, London, and in 1938 received from London University (King's College), a Diploma of Journalism.
With the War at hand and at a young age Nancy was called to service in the reserve Auxiliary Territorial Service Unit. From 1938-1946, Nancy was one of the first to be called to active duty. She was promoted to sergeant at age 18 and put in charge of about 30 women. One of the courses from Journalism at King's was to work and get practical experience during summer vacation. She worked a short time for the Bath Chronicle. She was the first female reporter and noticed early on that the male reporters didn't quite know how to accept her presence in the field of journalism. At times Nancy felt that while conducting journalism interviews, people felt she was much too young to be taken seriously. Her service took her to assignments with the Thames Estuary Defenses, NCO-IC Gun Site at Vange, Essex, The United States Army Air Corps (British Civilian Volunteer) 1942-1946. With the arrival of the Eighth Air Force Nancy's life took another extraordinary turn – as she said "by accident, coincidence or design." When asked how fast can you write shorthand by a colonel in 1945, she responded "As fast as you can talk." Being asked and selected as a Court Reporter for 8th Air Forces, 9th Air Force, X1X Tactical Air Command Nuremberg War Crimes Trial, was one of Nancy's most notable assignments.
A special man, Col. Hampton R. Kenaston, U.S. Air Force, came into her life and they were married in 1946.
Nancy has been a most recognizable figure in the Fort Walton Beach Community since the 1950's. She has often shared her life's experiences at various speaking engagements. She first came to Eglin Air Force Base in 1950. Some of her accomplishments were president of the Eglin Officer's Wives Club 1950-51, Editor of the Officers Wives Club publications both at Eglin and Warner Robins Bases, Correspondent for the Panama City News Herald, Woman's Editor Playground News, Managing Editor Playground Daily News 1961-65, Community Service Public Relations Director Okaloosa County School Board 1965-68 and 1970-1985. She was also a Legislative Aide to State Rep. Jerry Melvin 1968-70 and 1994-2002, and as a member of the Okaloosa County Planning Commission 1985-1998, and she was inducted in 1999 to the Okaloosa County Hall of Fame.
Other organizations she so willingly gave her time to were: Women's Press Club of London, Charter Member Northwest Florida Press Club, Panhandle Animal Welfare Society, Gulf Area Garden Club. Her special love was being an Auxiliary Member of the United States Coast Guard where she had been a member since 1978. Nancy served as Flotilla Commander, Division Captain and District Staff Officer. U.S. Coast Guard Cruise Station Destin bestowed on Nancy Petty Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard. She also was a volunteer for the Chamber of Commerce for several years serving in a variety of leadership roles.
For her spiritual character building, she was a member of the Church of the Resurrection (United Episcopal) in Shalimar, Fla. As a member of her church, she served as the Assistant to the Rector for the Annual Blessing of the Animals.
She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and community.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Col. Hampton R. Kenaston; two sisters, Hazel and Muriel in England; and her husband's daughter, Janice Katherine High; and grandson, Mark W. Kenaston. Survivors include her husband's son, William Kenaston and wife Ruby of Fort Walton Beach; her husband's daughter, Sara Kenaston of Jacksonville, Fla.; son-in-law, Kenneth High of Lake Jackson, Texas; four grandchildren and spouses; eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
The family and invited guests will celebrate Nancy's life at a private memorial service. Friends wishing to share their remembrances with the family are invited to a celebration/reception of Nancy's life to be held at Two Trees Restaurant, 1 to 3 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 17, 2012.
Flowers, memorial trees, or donations to any animal welfare organization, in memory of Nancy Kenaston, will be greatly accepted.
Memorial arrangements were under the direction of the McLaughlin Mortuary, Funeral and Cremation. It was Nancy'S desire is to be cremated, with her ashes scattered in Santa Rosa Sound, where she had many enjoyable hours.
Hampton Ray Kenaston's 2nd wife Nancy M Shields was born Jan 30, 1920 in Wellington, Kent, England. The house she grew up in sat on top of a hill on the approach to London. During WWII her house was used by German Pilots as a landmark when they bombed London. For that reason it was spared some damage from the German Air Raids. Nancy's father was an engineer. Nancy's father was known as the richest man in the village (to his great amusement) . Both of Nancy's parents were active in politics. They were good friends of Edward Heath, who represented the Bexley area in the House of Commons, and later became Prime Minister. They also knew Winston Churchill. Near the end of WWII Nancy's father organized a party for the town for patriotic reasons and to raise the townspeople war weary spirit. Winston Churchill was the main speaker and local children greeted him with a rendition of Britain second national anthem, "Land of Hope and Glory" The party was a huge success. Nancy's family was very musical and her mother and two of her sisters played the piano. Nancy played violin, but according to Nancy she was not very good at it. Nancy's mother's favorite charity was Dr. Barnado's Home, an orphanage which still exists. She sponsored events to raise money for it. Nancy's father died of metastatic cancer four days short of their 50th wedding anniversary.
Nancy wanted to be a reporter as a young woman and wanted to major in journalism in college. She wanted to attend London University's King's College. However the school did not accept women until age 18, Nancy was 16 at the time. Instead she attended the National Institute of Psychology, acting on behalf of the University of Chicago, USA. an experimental college to teach a new kind of shorthand. Other classes offered included typing, bookkeeping, English, Business French and a subject called Commerce. She completed these courses and at age 18 entered King's College School of Journalism. WWII ended her college career, King's College was destroyed during the blitz.
Nancy joined the Air Raid Precautions (ARP) in 1938, the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS as it was known). She learned to recognize German Aircraft which served her well after entering the British Army. She worked as a reporter on a daily newspaper, the Bath Chronicle until called up by the Army.
In 1942 when the USA entered the war she was still in the Army. After the Eight Air Force, USA arrived, she met her future husband. Colonel Hampton Kenaston, Jr. who was her boss. She moved with the Eight Air Force to France and served as an interpreter. In early August 1945, the war was over, Nancy was invited to serve on the first international trial of war criminals, she went to Nuremberg, Germany after accepting the assignment. One of the first big criminals whose testimony she reported was Hermann Goering, head of the German Air Force. Nancy returned to England in 1946, and returned home. With Colonel Kenaston's help she found a job in the USA. It took about a year to complete the red tape. Nancy returned to the USA on Nov 15, 1946 aboard British Overseas Airways on November 15, 1946, Nancy and Hampton Kenaston were engaged to be married prior to her leaving England. She and Colonel Kenaston were married Nov 19,1946 in Norfolk, VA. Nancy and many of their friends called Colonel Kenaston "Kenny". Colonel Kenaston's first wife, Maurine D Bulow Kenaston) had died 18 months earlier. Colonel Kenaston's two girls were 16 and 18 years old, his boy was 10. Colonel Kenaston's mother Jean Mae McKee Kenaston moved to Florida and joined the family. Nancy Kenaston brought an "international flavor" to Okaloosa County in 1949 when she arrived. After 4 years as an anti-aircraft gunner with the British Army, Nancy was a court reporter with the United States Air Force and served as the official court-reporter for the Nuremburg War Crime trails.
Her husband, Hampton Ray Kenaston, died in 1968 and is buried in the Ntional Cemetery on Pensacola Naval Air Station. She planned to be buried with him until she learned that her name would be placed on the back of his tomb stone, which she felt was inappropriate, and appeared to be almost an after-thought. She now plans to be cremated and her ashes be scattered in Santa Rosa Sound, after her death.
Shortly after settling along Florida's Emerald Coast, Nancy's creative writing style and management experience in print elevate her to the position of Managing Editor at the Fort Walton Beach Playground News (now known as the Northwest Florida Daily News). Ms. Kenaston career also included serving as the Public Relations Director for the Okaloosa County School Board for 20 years.
Nancy Kenaston was a Division Captain in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and served several years as Legislative Aide to Florida State Representative, Jerry Melvin. She was also President of the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society and served as a board member of many local organizations.
Nancy Kenaston's works include: "When Destiny Steps In" (2009), the source of information for this bio. She also wrote "The Rich Heritage of Fort Walton Beach and the Communities of the Emerald Coast" (1999), and "From Cabin to Campus: A History of the Okaloosa County School System" (1977).
OBITUARY:
Much loved and respected Journalist and Public Relations Director Nancy M. Kenaston, age 92, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, at her home. She was born on Jan. 30, 1920, in Wellington, Kent, England, to Herbert Fredrick Henry Shields and Edith Muriel Walterman.
Nancy's early and formable years in England were just prior to World War II. These difficult years help prepare her for a variety of opportunities in a most recognizable and notable and prestigious career in journalism, "My first love since I was 10 years old." From her youngest age, she was as she said "unhesitatingly pressed into service." She attended Chislehurst County School, Kent, Personal Shorthand and Secretarial College, London, and in 1938 received from London University (King's College), a Diploma of Journalism.
With the War at hand and at a young age Nancy was called to service in the reserve Auxiliary Territorial Service Unit. From 1938-1946, Nancy was one of the first to be called to active duty. She was promoted to sergeant at age 18 and put in charge of about 30 women. One of the courses from Journalism at King's was to work and get practical experience during summer vacation. She worked a short time for the Bath Chronicle. She was the first female reporter and noticed early on that the male reporters didn't quite know how to accept her presence in the field of journalism. At times Nancy felt that while conducting journalism interviews, people felt she was much too young to be taken seriously. Her service took her to assignments with the Thames Estuary Defenses, NCO-IC Gun Site at Vange, Essex, The United States Army Air Corps (British Civilian Volunteer) 1942-1946. With the arrival of the Eighth Air Force Nancy's life took another extraordinary turn – as she said "by accident, coincidence or design." When asked how fast can you write shorthand by a colonel in 1945, she responded "As fast as you can talk." Being asked and selected as a Court Reporter for 8th Air Forces, 9th Air Force, X1X Tactical Air Command Nuremberg War Crimes Trial, was one of Nancy's most notable assignments.
A special man, Col. Hampton R. Kenaston, U.S. Air Force, came into her life and they were married in 1946.
Nancy has been a most recognizable figure in the Fort Walton Beach Community since the 1950's. She has often shared her life's experiences at various speaking engagements. She first came to Eglin Air Force Base in 1950. Some of her accomplishments were president of the Eglin Officer's Wives Club 1950-51, Editor of the Officers Wives Club publications both at Eglin and Warner Robins Bases, Correspondent for the Panama City News Herald, Woman's Editor Playground News, Managing Editor Playground Daily News 1961-65, Community Service Public Relations Director Okaloosa County School Board 1965-68 and 1970-1985. She was also a Legislative Aide to State Rep. Jerry Melvin 1968-70 and 1994-2002, and as a member of the Okaloosa County Planning Commission 1985-1998, and she was inducted in 1999 to the Okaloosa County Hall of Fame.
Other organizations she so willingly gave her time to were: Women's Press Club of London, Charter Member Northwest Florida Press Club, Panhandle Animal Welfare Society, Gulf Area Garden Club. Her special love was being an Auxiliary Member of the United States Coast Guard where she had been a member since 1978. Nancy served as Flotilla Commander, Division Captain and District Staff Officer. U.S. Coast Guard Cruise Station Destin bestowed on Nancy Petty Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard. She also was a volunteer for the Chamber of Commerce for several years serving in a variety of leadership roles.
For her spiritual character building, she was a member of the Church of the Resurrection (United Episcopal) in Shalimar, Fla. As a member of her church, she served as the Assistant to the Rector for the Annual Blessing of the Animals.
She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and community.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Col. Hampton R. Kenaston; two sisters, Hazel and Muriel in England; and her husband's daughter, Janice Katherine High; and grandson, Mark W. Kenaston. Survivors include her husband's son, William Kenaston and wife Ruby of Fort Walton Beach; her husband's daughter, Sara Kenaston of Jacksonville, Fla.; son-in-law, Kenneth High of Lake Jackson, Texas; four grandchildren and spouses; eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
The family and invited guests will celebrate Nancy's life at a private memorial service. Friends wishing to share their remembrances with the family are invited to a celebration/reception of Nancy's life to be held at Two Trees Restaurant, 1 to 3 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 17, 2012.
Flowers, memorial trees, or donations to any animal welfare organization, in memory of Nancy Kenaston, will be greatly accepted.
Memorial arrangements were under the direction of the McLaughlin Mortuary, Funeral and Cremation. It was Nancy'S desire is to be cremated, with her ashes scattered in Santa Rosa Sound, where she had many enjoyable hours.
Nancy M. Shields Kenaston
Hampton Ray Kenaston's 2nd wife Nancy M Shields was born Jan 30, 1920 in Wellington, Kent, England. The house she grew up in sat on top of a hill on the approach to London. During WWII her house was used by German Pilots as a landmark when they bombed London. For that reason it was spared some damage from the German Air Raids. Nancy's father was an engineer. Nancy's father was known as the richest man in the village (to his great amusement) . Both of Nancy's parents were active in politics. They were good friends of Edward Heath, who represented the Bexley area in the House of Commons, and later became Prime Minister. They also knew Winston Churchill. Near the end of WWII Nancy's father organized a party for the town for patriotic reasons and to raise the townspeople war weary spirit. Winston Churchill was the main speaker and local children greeted him with a rendition of Britain second national anthem, "Land of Hope and Glory" The party was a huge success. Nancy's family was very musical and her mother and two of her sisters played the piano. Nancy played violin, but according to Nancy she was not very good at it. Nancy's mother's favorite charity was Dr. Barnado's Home, an orphanage which still exists. She sponsored events to raise money for it. Nancy's father died of metastatic cancer four days short of their 50th wedding anniversary.
Nancy wanted to be a reporter as a young woman and wanted to major in journalism in college. She wanted to attend London University's King's College. However the school did not accept women until age 18, Nancy was 16 at the time. Instead she attended the National Institute of Psychology, acting on behalf of the University of Chicago, USA. an experimental college to teach a new kind of shorthand. Other classes offered included typing, bookkeeping, English, Business French and a subject called Commerce. She completed these courses and at age 18 entered King's College School of Journalism. WWII ended her college career, King's College was destroyed during the blitz.
Nancy joined the Air Raid Precautions (ARP) in 1938, the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS as it was known). She learned to recognize German Aircraft which served her well after entering the British Army. She worked as a reporter on a daily newspaper, the Bath Chronicle until called up by the Army.
In 1942 when the USA entered the war she was still in the Army. After the Eight Air Force, USA arrived, she met her future husband. Colonel Hampton Kenaston, Jr. who was her boss. She moved with the Eight Air Force to France and served as an interpreter. In early August 1945, the war was over, Nancy was invited to serve on the first international trial of war criminals, she went to Nuremberg, Germany after accepting the assignment. One of the first big criminals whose testimony she reported was Hermann Goering, head of the German Air Force. Nancy returned to England in 1946, and returned home. With Colonel Kenaston's help she found a job in the USA. It took about a year to complete the red tape. Nancy returned to the USA on Nov 15, 1946 aboard British Overseas Airways on November 15, 1946, Nancy and Hampton Kenaston were engaged to be married prior to her leaving England. She and Colonel Kenaston were married Nov 19,1946 in Norfolk, VA. Nancy and many of their friends called Colonel Kenaston "Kenny". Colonel Kenaston's first wife, Maurine D Bulow Kenaston) had died 18 months earlier. Colonel Kenaston's two girls were 16 and 18 years old, his boy was 10. Colonel Kenaston's mother Jean Mae McKee Kenaston moved to Florida and joined the family. Nancy Kenaston brought an "international flavor" to Okaloosa County in 1949 when she arrived. After 4 years as an anti-aircraft gunner with the British Army, Nancy was a court reporter with the United States Air Force and served as the official court-reporter for the Nuremburg War Crime trails.
Her husband, Hampton Ray Kenaston, died in 1968 and is buried in the Ntional Cemetery on Pensacola Naval Air Station. She planned to be buried with him until she learned that her name would be placed on the back of his tomb stone, which she felt was inappropriate, and appeared to be almost an after-thought. She now plans to be cremated and her ashes be scattered in Santa Rosa Sound, after her death.
Shortly after settling along Florida's Emerald Coast, Nancy's creative writing style and management experience in print elevate her to the position of Managing Editor at the Fort Walton Beach Playground News (now known as the Northwest Florida Daily News). Ms. Kenaston career also included serving as the Public Relations Director for the Okaloosa County School Board for 20 years.
Nancy Kenaston was a Division Captain in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and served several years as Legislative Aide to Florida State Representative, Jerry Melvin. She was also President of the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society and served as a board member of many local organizations.
Nancy Kenaston's works include: "When Destiny Steps In" (2009), the source of information for this bio. She also wrote "The Rich Heritage of Fort Walton Beach and the Communities of the Emerald Coast" (1999), and "From Cabin to Campus: A History of the Okaloosa County School System" (1977).
OBITUARY:
Much loved and respected Journalist and Public Relations Director Nancy M. Kenaston, age 92, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, at her home. She was born on Jan. 30, 1920, in Wellington, Kent, England, to Herbert Fredrick Henry Shields and Edith Muriel Walterman.
Nancy's early and formable years in England were just prior to World War II. These difficult years help prepare her for a variety of opportunities in a most recognizable and notable and prestigious career in journalism, "My first love since I was 10 years old." From her youngest age, she was as she said "unhesitatingly pressed into service." She attended Chislehurst County School, Kent, Personal Shorthand and Secretarial College, London, and in 1938 received from London University (King's College), a Diploma of Journalism.
With the War at hand and at a young age Nancy was called to service in the reserve Auxiliary Territorial Service Unit. From 1938-1946, Nancy was one of the first to be called to active duty. She was promoted to sergeant at age 18 and put in charge of about 30 women. One of the courses from Journalism at King's was to work and get practical experience during summer vacation. She worked a short time for the Bath Chronicle. She was the first female reporter and noticed early on that the male reporters didn't quite know how to accept her presence in the field of journalism. At times Nancy felt that while conducting journalism interviews, people felt she was much too young to be taken seriously. Her service took her to assignments with the Thames Estuary Defenses, NCO-IC Gun Site at Vange, Essex, The United States Army Air Corps (British Civilian Volunteer) 1942-1946. With the arrival of the Eighth Air Force Nancy's life took another extraordinary turn – as she said "by accident, coincidence or design." When asked how fast can you write shorthand by a colonel in 1945, she responded "As fast as you can talk." Being asked and selected as a Court Reporter for 8th Air Forces, 9th Air Force, X1X Tactical Air Command Nuremberg War Crimes Trial, was one of Nancy's most notable assignments.
A special man, Col. Hampton R. Kenaston, U.S. Air Force, came into her life and they were married in 1946.
Nancy has been a most recognizable figure in the Fort Walton Beach Community since the 1950's. She has often shared her life's experiences at various speaking engagements. She first came to Eglin Air Force Base in 1950. Some of her accomplishments were president of the Eglin Officer's Wives Club 1950-51, Editor of the Officers Wives Club publications both at Eglin and Warner Robins Bases, Correspondent for the Panama City News Herald, Woman's Editor Playground News, Managing Editor Playground Daily News 1961-65, Community Service Public Relations Director Okaloosa County School Board 1965-68 and 1970-1985. She was also a Legislative Aide to State Rep. Jerry Melvin 1968-70 and 1994-2002, and as a member of the Okaloosa County Planning Commission 1985-1998, and she was inducted in 1999 to the Okaloosa County Hall of Fame.
Other organizations she so willingly gave her time to were: Women's Press Club of London, Charter Member Northwest Florida Press Club, Panhandle Animal Welfare Society, Gulf Area Garden Club. Her special love was being an Auxiliary Member of the United States Coast Guard where she had been a member since 1978. Nancy served as Flotilla Commander, Division Captain and District Staff Officer. U.S. Coast Guard Cruise Station Destin bestowed on Nancy Petty Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard. She also was a volunteer for the Chamber of Commerce for several years serving in a variety of leadership roles.
For her spiritual character building, she was a member of the Church of the Resurrection (United Episcopal) in Shalimar, Fla. As a member of her church, she served as the Assistant to the Rector for the Annual Blessing of the Animals.
She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and community.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Col. Hampton R. Kenaston; two sisters, Hazel and Muriel in England; and her husband's daughter, Janice Katherine High; and grandson, Mark W. Kenaston. Survivors include her husband's son, William Kenaston and wife Ruby of Fort Walton Beach; her husband's daughter, Sara Kenaston of Jacksonville, Fla.; son-in-law, Kenneth High of Lake Jackson, Texas; four grandchildren and spouses; eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
The family and invited guests will celebrate Nancy's life at a private memorial service. Friends wishing to share their remembrances with the family are invited to a celebration/reception of Nancy's life to be held at Two Trees Restaurant, 1 to 3 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 17, 2012.
Flowers, memorial trees, or donations to any animal welfare organization, in memory of Nancy Kenaston, will be greatly accepted.
Memorial arrangements were under the direction of the McLaughlin Mortuary, Funeral and Cremation. It was Nancy'S desire is to be cremated, with her ashes scattered in Santa Rosa Sound, where she had many enjoyable hours.
Hampton Ray Kenaston's 2nd wife Nancy M Shields was born Jan 30, 1920 in Wellington, Kent, England. The house she grew up in sat on top of a hill on the approach to London. During WWII her house was used by German Pilots as a landmark when they bombed London. For that reason it was spared some damage from the German Air Raids. Nancy's father was an engineer. Nancy's father was known as the richest man in the village (to his great amusement) . Both of Nancy's parents were active in politics. They were good friends of Edward Heath, who represented the Bexley area in the House of Commons, and later became Prime Minister. They also knew Winston Churchill. Near the end of WWII Nancy's father organized a party for the town for patriotic reasons and to raise the townspeople war weary spirit. Winston Churchill was the main speaker and local children greeted him with a rendition of Britain second national anthem, "Land of Hope and Glory" The party was a huge success. Nancy's family was very musical and her mother and two of her sisters played the piano. Nancy played violin, but according to Nancy she was not very good at it. Nancy's mother's favorite charity was Dr. Barnado's Home, an orphanage which still exists. She sponsored events to raise money for it. Nancy's father died of metastatic cancer four days short of their 50th wedding anniversary.
Nancy wanted to be a reporter as a young woman and wanted to major in journalism in college. She wanted to attend London University's King's College. However the school did not accept women until age 18, Nancy was 16 at the time. Instead she attended the National Institute of Psychology, acting on behalf of the University of Chicago, USA. an experimental college to teach a new kind of shorthand. Other classes offered included typing, bookkeeping, English, Business French and a subject called Commerce. She completed these courses and at age 18 entered King's College School of Journalism. WWII ended her college career, King's College was destroyed during the blitz.
Nancy joined the Air Raid Precautions (ARP) in 1938, the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS as it was known). She learned to recognize German Aircraft which served her well after entering the British Army. She worked as a reporter on a daily newspaper, the Bath Chronicle until called up by the Army.
In 1942 when the USA entered the war she was still in the Army. After the Eight Air Force, USA arrived, she met her future husband. Colonel Hampton Kenaston, Jr. who was her boss. She moved with the Eight Air Force to France and served as an interpreter. In early August 1945, the war was over, Nancy was invited to serve on the first international trial of war criminals, she went to Nuremberg, Germany after accepting the assignment. One of the first big criminals whose testimony she reported was Hermann Goering, head of the German Air Force. Nancy returned to England in 1946, and returned home. With Colonel Kenaston's help she found a job in the USA. It took about a year to complete the red tape. Nancy returned to the USA on Nov 15, 1946 aboard British Overseas Airways on November 15, 1946, Nancy and Hampton Kenaston were engaged to be married prior to her leaving England. She and Colonel Kenaston were married Nov 19,1946 in Norfolk, VA. Nancy and many of their friends called Colonel Kenaston "Kenny". Colonel Kenaston's first wife, Maurine D Bulow Kenaston) had died 18 months earlier. Colonel Kenaston's two girls were 16 and 18 years old, his boy was 10. Colonel Kenaston's mother Jean Mae McKee Kenaston moved to Florida and joined the family. Nancy Kenaston brought an "international flavor" to Okaloosa County in 1949 when she arrived. After 4 years as an anti-aircraft gunner with the British Army, Nancy was a court reporter with the United States Air Force and served as the official court-reporter for the Nuremburg War Crime trails.
Her husband, Hampton Ray Kenaston, died in 1968 and is buried in the Ntional Cemetery on Pensacola Naval Air Station. She planned to be buried with him until she learned that her name would be placed on the back of his tomb stone, which she felt was inappropriate, and appeared to be almost an after-thought. She now plans to be cremated and her ashes be scattered in Santa Rosa Sound, after her death.
Shortly after settling along Florida's Emerald Coast, Nancy's creative writing style and management experience in print elevate her to the position of Managing Editor at the Fort Walton Beach Playground News (now known as the Northwest Florida Daily News). Ms. Kenaston career also included serving as the Public Relations Director for the Okaloosa County School Board for 20 years.
Nancy Kenaston was a Division Captain in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and served several years as Legislative Aide to Florida State Representative, Jerry Melvin. She was also President of the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society and served as a board member of many local organizations.
Nancy Kenaston's works include: "When Destiny Steps In" (2009), the source of information for this bio. She also wrote "The Rich Heritage of Fort Walton Beach and the Communities of the Emerald Coast" (1999), and "From Cabin to Campus: A History of the Okaloosa County School System" (1977).
OBITUARY:
Much loved and respected Journalist and Public Relations Director Nancy M. Kenaston, age 92, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, at her home. She was born on Jan. 30, 1920, in Wellington, Kent, England, to Herbert Fredrick Henry Shields and Edith Muriel Walterman.
Nancy's early and formable years in England were just prior to World War II. These difficult years help prepare her for a variety of opportunities in a most recognizable and notable and prestigious career in journalism, "My first love since I was 10 years old." From her youngest age, she was as she said "unhesitatingly pressed into service." She attended Chislehurst County School, Kent, Personal Shorthand and Secretarial College, London, and in 1938 received from London University (King's College), a Diploma of Journalism.
With the War at hand and at a young age Nancy was called to service in the reserve Auxiliary Territorial Service Unit. From 1938-1946, Nancy was one of the first to be called to active duty. She was promoted to sergeant at age 18 and put in charge of about 30 women. One of the courses from Journalism at King's was to work and get practical experience during summer vacation. She worked a short time for the Bath Chronicle. She was the first female reporter and noticed early on that the male reporters didn't quite know how to accept her presence in the field of journalism. At times Nancy felt that while conducting journalism interviews, people felt she was much too young to be taken seriously. Her service took her to assignments with the Thames Estuary Defenses, NCO-IC Gun Site at Vange, Essex, The United States Army Air Corps (British Civilian Volunteer) 1942-1946. With the arrival of the Eighth Air Force Nancy's life took another extraordinary turn – as she said "by accident, coincidence or design." When asked how fast can you write shorthand by a colonel in 1945, she responded "As fast as you can talk." Being asked and selected as a Court Reporter for 8th Air Forces, 9th Air Force, X1X Tactical Air Command Nuremberg War Crimes Trial, was one of Nancy's most notable assignments.
A special man, Col. Hampton R. Kenaston, U.S. Air Force, came into her life and they were married in 1946.
Nancy has been a most recognizable figure in the Fort Walton Beach Community since the 1950's. She has often shared her life's experiences at various speaking engagements. She first came to Eglin Air Force Base in 1950. Some of her accomplishments were president of the Eglin Officer's Wives Club 1950-51, Editor of the Officers Wives Club publications both at Eglin and Warner Robins Bases, Correspondent for the Panama City News Herald, Woman's Editor Playground News, Managing Editor Playground Daily News 1961-65, Community Service Public Relations Director Okaloosa County School Board 1965-68 and 1970-1985. She was also a Legislative Aide to State Rep. Jerry Melvin 1968-70 and 1994-2002, and as a member of the Okaloosa County Planning Commission 1985-1998, and she was inducted in 1999 to the Okaloosa County Hall of Fame.
Other organizations she so willingly gave her time to were: Women's Press Club of London, Charter Member Northwest Florida Press Club, Panhandle Animal Welfare Society, Gulf Area Garden Club. Her special love was being an Auxiliary Member of the United States Coast Guard where she had been a member since 1978. Nancy served as Flotilla Commander, Division Captain and District Staff Officer. U.S. Coast Guard Cruise Station Destin bestowed on Nancy Petty Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard. She also was a volunteer for the Chamber of Commerce for several years serving in a variety of leadership roles.
For her spiritual character building, she was a member of the Church of the Resurrection (United Episcopal) in Shalimar, Fla. As a member of her church, she served as the Assistant to the Rector for the Annual Blessing of the Animals.
She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and community.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Col. Hampton R. Kenaston; two sisters, Hazel and Muriel in England; and her husband's daughter, Janice Katherine High; and grandson, Mark W. Kenaston. Survivors include her husband's son, William Kenaston and wife Ruby of Fort Walton Beach; her husband's daughter, Sara Kenaston of Jacksonville, Fla.; son-in-law, Kenneth High of Lake Jackson, Texas; four grandchildren and spouses; eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
The family and invited guests will celebrate Nancy's life at a private memorial service. Friends wishing to share their remembrances with the family are invited to a celebration/reception of Nancy's life to be held at Two Trees Restaurant, 1 to 3 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 17, 2012.
Flowers, memorial trees, or donations to any animal welfare organization, in memory of Nancy Kenaston, will be greatly accepted.
Memorial arrangements were under the direction of the McLaughlin Mortuary, Funeral and Cremation. It was Nancy'S desire is to be cremated, with her ashes scattered in Santa Rosa Sound, where she had many enjoyable hours.
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