FRANCIS T. NOLKER

Francis T. Nolker, 89, of Pittsburg, MO and formerly of Richmond, MO passed away during the early hours on June 9, 2017 at the hospital in Bolivar Missouri.

Frank was born on February 26, 1928 at the family farm near Knoxville, Missouri. His parents were James A. (Gus) and Laura May (Daniel) Nolker. He married the love of his life, Marjorie Jean (Davis) Nolker on April 11, 1949. She preceded him in death on December 5, 2016.

In Frank's early years, he was among the original drivers and mechanic that start Richmond Speedway. Frank worked as an auto mechanic in Richmond for Greenlee Pontiac and Wollard Buick-GMC during the 50's, before going to work at Remington Arms at Lake City, MO. He retired from there in 1985. Frank and Marge moved to Pittsburg that same year to enjoy Pomme de Terre Lake and retirement. They loved to dance, which turned into dancing as much as 7 days a week. In addition, they started their love of collecting Jewel Tea Autumn Leaf dishes and dolls of all shapes and sizes.

Frank was known as "Mr. Fix-it" to many people in the area, which developed into a new career for him. He loved the challenge of learning a new skill or trade. We were always amazed at all the self-taught skills he could do.

Besides his parents and wife Margie, Frank was precede in death by one son, William (Bill) Nolker, one grandson, Scott Nolker, one great-grandson, Mason Allen, and 3 brothers, John, Donnie and Melvin Nolker.

He is survived by a son and his wife, Mike and Barb Nolker of Richmond, daughter and her husband, Pam and Brian Petty of Kansas City, one daughter-in-law, Jackie Nolker of Lawson, 7 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren, one brother and his wife, Gene and Shirley Nolker of Lawson, and 2 sisters, Bonnie Cates of Lawson and Nora Hutcheson and her husband, Dave of Rayville. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to Frank's church, the Antioch Christian Church or to the Old Union Cemetery near Lawson

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Visitation will be Saturday, June 17, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Inurnment will be at the Old Union Cemetery near Lawson, MO at a later date. On line condolences may be left on our website at www.thurmanfuneralhome.com