WAYNE LAVON “PETE” NICHOLSON

Wayne Lavon “Pete” Nicholson, 59, of Mountain View, Missouri departed this life on July 28, 2021 at Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri. He was born November 25, 1961, the son of Floyd Lavon and Sharon Kay (Mizer) Nicholson. His parents preceded him in death.

He is survived by his loving companion, Valerie Francis, her daughter, Monica Kelts and husband, Tony, Fair Grove, MO; three siblings, Lester Nicholson and wife, Pammala, Birch Tree, MO, Rexie Cowen, Birch Tree, MO, and Gary Yarber and wife, Carla, Mountain View, MO; three special grandchildren, Paige and Jaren Robinson, and Chloe Kelts; and many nieces and nephews who all thought they were Uncle Pete’s favorite. 

Pete graduated from Liberty High School with the Class of 1980. He remained lifelong friends with many of his classmates.

Pete was a heavy equipment operator and worked in road construction for nearly 40 years. There wasn’t a piece of machinery that he couldn’t run. He spent his weekends catching up on chores, his family’s lives, and relaxing with Val.

His true love was being outdoors. He loved to hunt and search for sheds. When he was younger, he spent a lot of time with his nephews teaching them the ropes. There wasn’t a deer season not spent at the farm surrounded by family telling stories. As he got older and became a “Pa” he preferred to kick back, be silly and shoot documentaries of time spent in the Taj Mahal. He also loved getting to be the kids’ biggest fan from the stands, watching them play sports. He had plans to spend the coming months with Val and the grandkids at the lake fishing from his new boat, camping and enjoying retired life.

Pete was a kind, loving man who always put others' needs before his own. He worked hard and he played hard. He always wore a signature smile with a twinkle in his eye. Little kids were drawn to him, and maybe it was that laugh. To say that Pete’s giggle was infectious, is an understatement. It was unforgettable, as he will be. “He was the best of us.”

Rest in peace, Petie.

Funeral services were held August 3, at Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View, Missouri with Pastor James Duddridge officiating. Interment in Greenlawn Cemetery, Mountain View, Missouri.  Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.