Curtis Cavanaugh

    Curtis Wayne Cavanaugh, 85, passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at his home in Nevada, MO.  Curtis was born December 16, 1939, in his home near Sheldon to Clayton and Helen (Doolin) Cavanaugh.   He married Willie Mae (Dice) Nickel on February 7, 1986, and she survives of the home.

     Curtis attended grade school in Bronaugh and graduated from Nevada High School in the Class of 1957.  Immediately after high school he went into the United States Air Force where he served for 10 years.  He worked for the Nevada Police Department from 1967-1977.  He then worked for the state of Missouri for the Marshall Habilitation Center until his retirement in 2008 at which time they returned to Nevada.

     He is survived by his wife, Willie, of the home; daughter, Jody E. Lindsey (Frank), Lamar, MO; 4 step-children, Frank Shutters (Misti), Sheldon, MO, James Nickel (Paula), Tallahassee, FL, Cynthia Grieve (Jeff), New Castle, IN and Rick Nickel (Jen), San Juan Bautista, CA; 15 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; one sister, Lois Owings (Chuck) and several nieces and nephews.   Curtis was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters, Pat Stark and Lynn Cain; and nephews, Christopher Cain, Ryan Cain, and Barry Scott.

     Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.  Visitation will be 5:00-7:00p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2025.   Interment with military honors will be held at 11:00a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at the Ft. Scott National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, KS.  Those who wish may contribute in Curtis’ memory to the Nevada Animal Shelter in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

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