Ricky Joe Nigus, of rural Robinson, died unexpectedly Saturday, November 28, 2015, at the age of 52.

He was born April 4, 1963, at Hiawatha, the son of David and Nancy Brunner Nigus and had lived in the Hiawatha area nearly all of his life where he grew up, attended schools, later graduating from Hiawatha High School with the class of 1981.  Rick was currently employed as a foreman with Oneok, working there for 24 years.

Rick was a very active member of the Brown County Rescue Squad, Brown County Quail Forever Board, Youth Quail Hunt, Youth Deer Hunts, Youth Fishing Derby, and Youth Skeet Shoots.  He also volunteered for the Brown County Ambulance Service, and was currently serving on the Highland Ambulance Squad.  Rick was a deacon of the Community of Christ Church.  He was an avid hunter, and enjoyed the great outdoors, but his first love has always been his family: his wife, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He also enjoyed KU basketball, KC Royals, and NASCAR.

He was preceded in death by parents, and brother Gary Nigus.

Rick was married to Lori Dachenhausen in 1983.  He later married the love of his life Laurice Atland Johansen, September 7, 2002.  She survives.
Also surviving are their children:  Brooke Reynolds (Phil) of Topeka, Brett Nigus (Alayna), Bryce Nigus (Alayna), both of Hiawatha, Nick Johansen (Kathy) of Powhattan, Rachel Knudson (Colby) of Horton, Kelsey Merchant (John Jr.) of Hiawatha; sister Brenda Nigus of Topeka, brother Mike Nigus (Missy) of Atchison; sister in law Cathy Nigus of Hiawatha; seven grandchildren:  Sidney, Kody, Austin, Brody, Emersyn, Alexis, and Alec.  His grandmother Berea Nigus of Hiawatha, also survives.

A celebration of Rick’s life is planned for 10 a.m. Thursday, December 3, at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center in Hiawatha.  Reverend Shane Spangler will officiate, assisted by Pastor Rich Lehmkuhl.

The family will meet with friends from 6-8 Wednesday at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Rick Nigus Memorial Fund to be designated later by the family, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

A special message or story may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com