KENNETH H. ELROD, 92 of Bowling Green died Saturday July 21, 2012 surrounded by his loving family.

The Daleville, IN native was the son of the late Wayne Elrod and Ora Martin Elrod and was preceded in death by his former wife Jessie Dunn Elrod. He was a retired fieldman for Pet Milk Inc. and Dairymen, Inc. He was a member of the First Christian Church and Lions Club. Kenneth was a member of the greatest generation and a true patriot. He was a hard working farm boy and like many others felt the need to serve his country when WWII started. He entered service in the Army Air Corp in October 1943. He started his training as an aircraft mechanic as a private. He rose rapidly in rank to Staff Sergeant and assigned to the 871st bomb squadron as assistant flight engineer and gunner on a B-29 Super Fortress. He was eventually stationed on Saipan Island flying bombing missions over Japan, very dangerous missions because of the Japanese defenses. Flying for hours over the open Pacific waters was very stressful. Returning from a mission one day was memorable as another B-29 going to Japan was carrying the atomic bomb. Kenneth was discharged in March 1946 with several decorations including two Bronze Stars and a Distinguished Unit Badge. Kenneth represents the thousands of teen age and young men who brought us victory.

Survivors include his wife Madeline Vance Elrod; Daughter, Nancy Elrod Preston; Stepdaughter, Suzanne Nuckols (Phil); Stepson, Steve Strode (Bonnie), Grandchildren, Barry Layton (Melissa) and Casey Preston (Robin); Step grandchildren, Vance Strode, Mattie Strode, Tiffany Nuckols Stone, Blake Nuckols (Vanessa), Trey Nuckols (Courtney), Max Oldham, Demi Oldham; Great Grandchildren, Will Layton, Olivia Layton, Keeton Preston, Emma Preston, Alex Preston; Step Great Grandchildren, Bryson Nuckols and Brayden Stone.

Funeral service will be 2:00 P.M. Monday, at Hardy & Son Funeral Home, Bowling Green Chapel with burial in Fairview Cemetery. Visitation 11:00A.M.-2:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home. In Lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made to Home Instead 2475 Scottsville Rd Suite 100, Bowling Green, KY 42104 or Hospice of Southern KY 5872 Scottsville Rd, Bowling Green, Ky 42104