William "Billy" Joseph Nickell, 44, of Independence, passed away unexpectedly Friday, July 31, 2026, in Richmond.

Billy was born on May 18, 1982, in Richmond, the son of William "Bill" Lee and Marlena (Hamm) Nickell.  He was united in marriage to Lesley Hastings; she survives of the home.

Additional survivors include: his mother, Marlena (Darrell) Wickens of Warresnburg; two sons, Liam Nickell and Levi Nickell; two daughters, Makayla Nickell (Tyler Bloss) of Knob Noster and Mayci Nickell of Oklahoma; four stepchildren: Dominic McPherson, Emma McPherson, Ethan McPherson, and Lilly McPherson; grandson, Jasper Bloss; brother, William David Nickell of Richmond; sister, Katrina Marie (Darby) Roach of St. Joseph; and stepbrother, Dustin Arron Nickell of Lexington.

He was preceded in death by his father, William "Bill" Lee Nickell, paternal grandparents, Juanita and Otho Nickell, maternal grandparents, Jack and Barbara Hamm, great-aunt, Pamala Walker, nephew, Allen Roach, and cousin, Anthony Hamm.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Billy Nickell Memorial Fund.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.  Please remember to share your memories of Billy with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.