Brian Ernest Nickols, 55, of rural Excelsior Springs, MO, passed away unexpectedly Monday, July 9, 2018 at his home.

Brian was born in Kansas City, Kansas on August 24, 1962 to Haze Ernest Nickols and Martha Sue (Zismer) Nickols. He lived with his family growing up on a farm in South Carolina. One of his fondest memories was his love of the farm and his days growing up there. His family moved to Ray County in 1974. He attended high school in Richmond and graduated with the class of 1980. He was a very talented man and was self employed. He also was a minister for the Lord. Brian loved to help people and would lend a hand to anyone. He never met a stranger and he loved everyone he came in contact with. Brian was proof there are still good people in this world. Brian liked hunting, fishing, and playing cards. He especially loved his kids and grandchildren, his parents, brother and sisters. He had an unfettered affection for all of his farm animals, especially his pet turkeys.

He is survived by his mother, Martha Sue Nickols of Urbana, MO; daughters, Nicole Libby (Mike) of Independence, MO, Melissa Nickols (Harold) of Excelsior Springs, MO, and Ahlona Phillips of Claycomo, MO.; sons, Levi Nickols of Orrick, MO, Benjamin Nickols of Seattle, WA, and Austin Phillips (Brittney) of Kearney, MO.; sisters, Cindy Lampton of Orrick, MO, and Janet Sell (David) of Springfield, MO.; brother, Kenneth Nickols of Pasadena, MD; grandchildren, Elizabeth Libby, David Libby, Lydia Libby, Felix Lawrence, Elias Lawrence, Ayden Phillips, Natalie Phillips, Madison Phillips, Aubrey Phillips, Mackenzie Phillips and Masyn Phillips; nieces, Emily Pernice and Kelsey Bittle; nephews, Ethan Nickols and Wyatt Nail; and his former wife, Paula Ra Steele, mother of his children.

Brian was preceded in death by his father, Haze E. Nickols on October 24, 1999, and his niece, Crystal Lampton on December 31, 1992.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, MO. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Tuesday, at the funeral home with Mr. Anthony Bengimina officiating. Burial will follow in South Point Cemetery, Orrick, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Brian Nickols memorial fund in care of the funeral home.