Leonard Augustus "Gus" Nickels passed away October 30, 2017 at the age of 85 in his home in Springfield, MO.  Gus was born December 30, 1931 on the family farm in Laquey, Missouri, the son of Wade and Mary Nickels (12 pounds).  He grew up on the farm and was very proud to have worked alongside his mother and father.  He graduated from Richland High School in 1948.  Gus enlisted in the Army at age 18.  Gus married Glyna Dawn Appling in 1955 at the Richland Christian Church.  Gus and Glyna moved to Springfield in August of 1957 so he could start attending SMS.  He worked nights and weekends at Fellini Dukewitz Ford and graduated in 1960.  Gus' first job after college was at Springfield Baptist Hospital.  He moved from there to Potosi to be the administrator of Washington County Hospital.  He then obtained a Master's Degree from Washington University in 1967.  His internship was at Cox Hospital.  He was named the administrator of Ferrell Duncan Clinic in 1967 and retired from there in 1994.  There were 8 doctors when he started and 48 when he retired.  He often said how fortunate he was to have had such a great place to work and especially how grateful he was to work with such a great group of Doctors.  He truly cherished those relationships.  Gus finished his career at Cox Hospital.

Gus grew up in a home that was very faith based, and he always held a strong faith in God.  He was baptized as a teen at Fairview Baptist Church where he was a member.  He was active in church growing up and mentioned often his memory of singing tenor in quartets.  Gus and Glyna were charter members of Waynesville Christian Church.  He became a member of South Street Christian Church where he remained a member until death.

Gus and Glyna had a wonderful marriage, and they did everything together.  They especially enjoyed their many trips to the Colorado mountains and to the Buffalo National River.

Gus was proceeded in death by his parents and two sisters, Pauline Laughlin and Geneva Groover.  He is survived by Glyna; a son, Neal and his wife Donna and two grandsons, Augie and Tanner.

A visitation will be held Friday, November 3, 2017 from 5 to 7PM at South Street Christian Church in Springfield.  A graveside service will be held Saturday, November 4, 2017 at Idumea Baptist Church, Laquey, Missouri at 10AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Idumea Cemetery and/or Meals on Wheels.  Online condolences may be made at www.gormanscharpf.com.