Nichols Sr., Bill G. 1939-2024 Plattsburg, Mo.
By NewsPress Now
PLATTSBURG, Mo. – Bill G. Nichols Sr., formerly of Rushville, Missouri, was born to Jim and Opal Pearl (Bishop) Nichols on Aug. 16, 1939, and died Feb. 19, 2024.
Bill was married to Shirley “Shird” Ledom who preceded him in death in 2006. Together Bill and Shird raised seven children and provided a home to countless others when it was needed. The couple also raised two granddaughters, Laura (Tiger) and Toni. Bill and Shird’s home always had an open door, good food, and the character from which lifelong memories are made. Few days passed without Bill Jr., his wife, Karla, and their son, Dustin, present on the farm.
Those who knew Bill would share that he was happiest on “The Hill” cussing a cow or a border collie, sometimes both at the same time, leaving both the cow, the dog and his help confused. He had a passion for good red Gelbvieh cows and took pride in breeding smaller framed cows that weaned heavy calves and bred back consistently.
“Give me a 900-pound cow that will wean a 500-pound calf on timber pasture” was a quote his granddaughters heard frequently growing up. He instilled in both girls a love for agriculture and quality livestock.
As a stockman, Bill trained many dogs, of which he counted his dingo-heeler cross pair, Pete and Judy; border collies, Callie, Maggie, Cassie; and Nala, amongst his closest friends. Additionally, Bill enjoyed coyote and coon hunting.
Bill farmed through much of the ’70s and ’80s and began a logging company with his oldest son, Bill Jr., in the early ’90s. When the company closed, Bill returned to farming full-time.
A talented musician, Bill played both the banjo and harmonica, and enjoyed weekly “jam-sessions” with his friends, playing at many fairs and festivals.
During the last two decades Bill lived on the farm, he found special friends in Bobby and Brandi Owens. Bobby always lent a helping hand, long before it was asked for, and served as an excellent mechanic for a “good truck that just had a lot of things wrong with it”. Bill was grateful for their friendship.
Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shird; son, Bill Nichols Jr.; two sisters, Edna Bernard and Mary Dockery; four brothers, Jimmy, Alvin, Lee Roy and Virgil Nichols.
He is survived by his children: Larry Nichols, Lake, Michigan, Cindy (Randy) Sloan, of Gower, Missouri, Linda (Cliff) Boatright, of Weston, Missouri, Sherri (Ron) Shatto, Plattsburg, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Karla Nichols, of Dekalb, Missouri; nine grandchildren, many great-grandchildren; and sisters, Ellen Harris, of Raymore and Minnie Asher of Cameron.
Funeral arrangements and a private inurnment at a later date has been entrusted to Bailey & Cox Funeral Home.
In honor of Bill’s love of dogs, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Atchison (Kansas). As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
