Larry Gene Nickell Sr., a father, grandfather, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025, at the age of 83. A visitation will be held from 10:30 am to 11:30 am Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel chapel (816-657-4400). Memorial services will follow at 11:00 am Saturday, also at the chapel. Private family burial will take place in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Drexel Golf Association or the American Heart Association. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
Larry saw each day as a gift. His life was a testament to his
faith in God, his love for his family, and his commitment to helping others.
Born on October 16, 1941, Larry was the son of Jim and Ruth
Nickell. He attended Fort Scott High school, graduating in 1959. He held
multiple jobs from a welder, to working on aircraft at Boeing, until he found
his career working at KCPL from 1967-1999.
At the age of 14, he met Nancy, the love of his life, and the
two were married on June 2, 1961. Their journey together began in Fort Scott
followed by time in Kansas City, but soon took them to Drexel, Missouri, where
they built a home and a life together for the past 63 years.
One of his favorite pastimes was riding his tractor and
working on the farm. The farm wasn’t just a place to him—it reflected his hard
work, determination, and love for the simple yet rewarding things in life. If
he wasn’t at the farm, you may have found him at one of his children’s or
grandchildren’s events, including sporting games, art shows, or music concerts,
just to name a few.
Larry was also a passionate gun collector. He had an interest
in the history and craftsmanship of firearms and spent many years building an
impressive collection that he enjoyed talking about with family and friends.
For many years, he dedicated his life to supporting others
through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Larry’s personal journey of recovery
inspired many others to find hope and healing. His story was one of resilience,
humility, and grace, and he was a living example that change is possible with
faith, hard work, and a willingness to help others. Through his service, he
touched the lives of so many, saving those who felt lost and providing a sense
of belonging to those in need of a second chance. Larry’s legacy will live on
and be remembered through the actions, wisdom, advice, and opinions shared
throughout his life.
Larry is survived by his daughters Terry Owens (John) and
Laurie Webb (Trent); son Larry Nickell Jr. (Lori); and his grandchildren Ryan, Lauren
(Bryan), Emily, Truman, Lydia, Ava, and Matthew. He also leaves behind
great-grandchildren Wyatt, Evelyn, Noah, and Logan and a host of family and
friends.
Larry was preceded in death by his devoted wife Nancy
Nickell; sister Joyce Jost; parents Jim & Ruth Nickell and other extended
family members.
In Larry’s words: “Please do not mourn, but celebrate all I
have been given after changing my life by the Grace of God and the forgiveness
and mercy offered by my family.”
May the thought of him being reunited with his love, Nancy,
bring comfort and peace during this time.
