Truman Nickell (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Truman Earl “Papa” Nickell, son of David L. and Dorothia Ontjes Nickell, was born February 25, 1930, in Minneola, Kansas. He departed this life Thursday, December 20, 2012, in his home, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-two years, nine months, and twenty-five days.
On February 11, 1990, he was united in marriage to Emily Jean Mann Miller, and they shared the last twenty-two years and ten months of love, friendship and companionship together.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Goldie Nickell; a grandson, Zackry Shireman; a great-grandson, Gunner Nickell; a brother, Lloyd Nickell; and a sister, Marie Roznovak.
Truman is survived by his wife, Emily, of the home; three daughters, Charlotte Whelan Gregg, and her husband, Mitch, of Jefferson City, Missouri, Rose Marie Lewis, and her husband, Jim, of Lebanon, Missouri, and Linda “Margie” Danek Shoock, of Osage Beach, Missouri; five stepchildren, Cindy Shireman, Laura Menke, and her husband, Jake, John Shireman, Amy Hartog, and her husband, Bill, all of the State of Iowa, and Jamey Shireman, and his wife, Stacy, of Nixa, Missouri; four grandchildren, Truman Nickell, Rose West, and her husband, Trevor, Goldie Whelan, and Scotty Danek; eight step-grandchildren, Jennifer, Brandon, and Megan Fields, Trinity Shireman, Kylie, Claire, and Chloe Gottschalk, and Kathryn “Kat” Hartog; two great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, including a special nephew, Mark Roznovak, and his wife, Patty, of Crystal Beach, Texas; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was raised in Kansas and then moved with his family to Missouri when he was seventeen. Truman served our country in the United States Army during the occupation of Japan and the Korean Conflict, earning four bronze stars. He worked at Fort Leonard Wood in the motor pool department for seventeen years. He also was owner and operator of the Skyline RV and Mobile Sales, along with automobile and boat sales. He sold cars for Billie Adkins and Willard Hufft, and then drove a school bus for Joel E. Barber C-5 School for twelve years.
Truman had professed his faith in Christ and at the time of his death he was a member of Ozark Bible Church.
He loved being outdoors, boating, camping, and traveling with his family was his passion. He treasured his family, friends and co-workers, especially playing with and spoiling his grandchildren.
Truman was a loving husband, great father, fun-loving grandfather, and a loyal friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Those who had the pleasure of knowing him will miss his laughter, but will cherish his memories.
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