Marion Gene Nigus

Marion Gene Nigus Marion Gene Nigus, age 96, died Thursday, March 30, 2017, at Indian Hills - A Stonebridge Community, Chillicothe, Missouri. Marion was born on October 27, 1920 in Colony, Kansas to parents Lucian and Ida Hatfield Nigus. The family moved to Dawn, Missouri in 1937 where Marion graduated from Dawn High School in 1941. Marion married Mary Elizabeth Jones on June 17, 1945. They initially operated a farm one mile south of Dawn and were active in the Dawn Federated Church. In 1956, the family moved to Hale, Missouri where Mary and Marion farmed for 55 years prior to retiring to Indian Hills in 2011. Marion served as Hale School board president, chairman of the Methodist Church board, 37 years on the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company board of directors, as a member of the MFA Oil board, and was a member of the Grand Lodge of Missouri. He was also a member of the Hale United Methodist Church, Hale, Missouri. Mary and Marion received the 1957 Livingston County Balanced Farming Award, were named the 1985 Outstanding Conservation Farm Family of the Year, and received the 2011 Livingston County Soil and Water Conversation Distinguished Service Award. Marion loved sports and was able to travel extensively later in life. His ready wit and friendly nature were enjoyed by all. Marion is survived by two sons: Steve (Annabelle) Nigus of St Charles, Missouri, and Monty (Sharon) Nigus of Stilwell, Kansas, and two daughters: Margo (Dowell) Mallory and Shelley Watkins, both of Chillicothe. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Marion was preceded in death by Mary, his wife of 68 years, his parents, six brothers, and two sisters. Funeral services will be held at the Hale United Methodist Church, Hale, Missouri, on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at 1:30 p.m. A scheduled family visitation will be held at the Hale United Methodist Church, Hale, Missouri, on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, one hour prior to the service at 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. Friends may call at the Lindley Funeral Home, Hale, Missouri, on Monday, April 3, 2017, from 12 noon until 8:00 p.m. Burial will be held at Hale Memorial Gardens, Hale, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hale United Methodist Church and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com . Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Hale, Missouri.