Michael Nash Obituary, Death – Michael “Mike” David Nash, 78, of Lohman, Missouri, passed away in a calm and peaceful manner on Monday, April 10, 2023 at SSM St. Mary’s Hospital. His family was at his side during his final moments. He was the son of the late Harold W. and Glenda E. (Baker) Nash and was born on March 29, 1945 in Ironton, Missouri. His parents have now passed away. In Cape Girardeau, Missouri, on the 9th of June in 1973, he wed Betty Johnson and they began their lives together as husband and wife.
Mike is a graduate of Bonne Terre High School, where he studied for his high school diploma. Mike enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1966 and proudly served his country in the Air Force during the Vietnam War and beyond until he was discharged with distinction in 1970. He furthered his education by attending Southeastern Missouri State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1972. He attended Central Missouri State University and received his Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice there.
Mike started working for the Missouri Department of Corrections in 1973, where he eventually became a member of the Board of Probation and Parole. After spending his career as a Parole Analyst for the state, he took early retirement in 2002. Over the course of his whole career, Mike served the state of Missouri for close to 30 years. Between the years 1978 and 1986, Mike held the position of President of the Missouri Corrections Association. In addition to that, he was a member of the Eugene Cole R-V School Board for a total of nine years, during which time he served as President for a span of five years between the years 1989 and 1998.
Mike had a passion for serving others, both in his neighborhood and in the church he attended, in addition to his working career. He was a member of the First Church of God, as well as a member of Disabled American Veterans, Brazito, and Jefferson Lodge 43 AF & AM, where he served as the previous Master. Mike was a natural born teacher and a natural born leader; he conducted a number of bible studies, taught Sunday school, and filled in as a preacher at his church. He served in a variety of leadership capacities at his church, the most recent of which was with the Joy Group. Over the course of his career, he has held positions on the Board of Trustees, the Board of Christian Education, the Pulpit Committee, and the Missions Board.
Mike was also responsible for serving as the church parliamentarian and as a lay representative to the Missouri FCOG General Assembly. Additionally, he was in charge of leading 12 mission service trips around the United States and the Caribbean. Mike found happiness in many facets of life. His passion for history led him to explore national sites with his wife, take his children to Civil War battlefields and museums, share historical anecdotes with friends and family, and share historical knowledge with others. The Wilson family were his best friends for life, and he was an exceptional coffee maker. He also liked riding motorcycles, everything to do with horses, and playing cards with them. He and his wife were both avid travelers, and between the two of them, they saw all 49 states.
They were in the process of making preparations to commemorate their golden wedding anniversary by traveling to Hawaii, which would be their 50th state overall. Mike prioritized his ardent affection for his family and the time he was able to spend with them above all else. Those who had the good fortune to know and love him will grieve his passing deeply since he left behind a magnificent legacy. Mike is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Betty; daughter, Erin (William) Welch of Como, Mississippi; son, Phillip R. Nash of Lohman; grandchildren, Tyler and Madison Welch; niece, Tammy Pona; nephew, Michael (Tammy) Biggers; great-nieces, Ashley, Sam, and Lexi Pona and Kyla Morales; great-great-nephews, Arnold and Alex; great-great-niece, Keely, who entered her life as he departed his; and exchange students, Cinthya, Dunia, and Maria.
Mike felt privileged to take on the role of Godparent for Nathan Sissom, who lives in Jefferson City. His parents, Harold and Glenda Biggers, as well as his sister, Sue Biggers, and his niece, Michelle Biggers, all passed away before he did. The Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri is where Mike will be put to rest after his passing. The family will have exclusive discretion over the burial arrangements. On the Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., there will be a Celebration of Life held at The First Church of God (1614 SW Blvd Jefferson City, MO 65109), with Pastor Joe Gregory serving as the officiant. After the ceremony, there will be a reception held in the church, and everyone is welcome to attend. Donations in memory of the deceased may be donated to the First Church of God in Jefferson City to assist with the costs of upcoming mission work camps.
