Obituaries

Brooks Nicklas

Photo of Brooks Nicklas
Brooks Nicklas, 93, of Jefferson City, passed away on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at his residence. He was born on September 8, 1924 in Lillie, Louisiana, a son of the late Walter L. and Savannah Alberta (Wilks) Nicklas. Brooks was married on May 2, 1942 in Junction City, Arkansas, to Alice Joyce Pearson, who survives at the home. Brooks graduated from Bernice High School in Louisiana. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and was later drafted by the U. S. Army in 1943 where he served with the 81st Infantry Wildcat Division in the Pacific Theatre and saw active duty in Pelilu and Angaur and was part of the Occupation Force of Japan. He was employed with Gross and Janes Railroad Cross Tie Company, where he bought and shipped ties for 12 years. He sold insurance and helped with Southern Funeral Home in Winfield, Louisiana and was an Office Manager/Accountant at a lumber company where he gained experience with buying insurance. He joined National Investors Company and became a six million dollar producer. In 1967, he joined the Howard Sisson Agency in St. Joseph, Missouri. From 1969-1979, he worked for Central Bank and built the Life and Health Insurance Department. In 1978, Brooks, Donald and Kenny formed The Nicklas Agency. Brooks left Central Bank in 1979 when The Nicklas Agency purchased the Life and Health Insurance Department. In 1981 Joyce Ann joined the family business which continues today. Brooks retired in 2000 and took up golfing. He has been a member of Meadow Lake Country Club since 1974. Brooks was a member of the First Baptist Church and served on the Board of Directors for the Missouri Baptist Foundation. On March 1, 1979, he was a Founding Member of the Breakfast Lions Club where he served as Treasurer for many years. Along with his wife, Joyce, Brooks is survived by two sons: Donald Nicklas (Sherie) of Camdenton, Kenny Nicklas (Donna Kay) of Jefferson City; one daughter, Joyce Ann Wilson of Jefferson City; seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Friends will be received from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, September 25, 2017, at Houser-Millard Funeral Home with a Lions Rose Ceremony at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at First Baptist Church with Dr. Doyle M. Sager officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in Riverview Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Breakfast Lions Club or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com

Published September 24, 2017