Nigel Kent Fleming

Nigel Kent Fleming, 57, Nevada, Mo., passed from this life on Wednesday, May 27, 2015, at Kansas University Medical Center, in Kansas City, Kan., after suffering a long illness. Nigel was born March 2, 1958, in Fort Scott, Kan., the only son of Norman Baker Fleming and Nesta (Llewellyn) Fleming. He was united in marriage to Sherri Dawn Highley on Aug. 9, 1979, and she survives of the home.

Nigel was baptized and confirmed in the All Saints Episcopal Church in 1969, and served as an Acolyte. Throughout his young life he worked as a paperboy, and mowed lawns for the widow ladies in his neighborhood. As a teen he worked with his friend Robby Elliott in his father's cleaning business assisting many local merchants around the square, as well as Firp & Bobs Drive Inn. He also worked in a couple of local gas stations pumping gas. Nigel always worked and worked hard.

Nigel was raised in Nevada and attended Nevada schools, graduating with the Class of 1977. Following high school he worked for Central States Press until their closing in 1983. Nigel spent a couple of years doing carpentry, as well painting and plumbing work for a local landlord. He then went to work for a number of years for Tapjac Lumber, then for Nevada R-5 Middle School for the past 22 years before retiring early because of his health in 2014. Nigel enjoyed riding horses beginning at the age of 10 and later raising quarter horses on his farm with his wife. He was a member of the Vernon County Pleasure Horse Club in his youth and the American Quarter Horse Association.

In 1994, Nigel and Sherri finished their new home and in 1997 they were blessed with the birth of their only son, Daniel Norman Fleming. Nigel then focused his time on raising his son. He soon after sold the horses and started raising cattle, saying he didn't want his son to get hurt on a horse. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, his pets and working on the farm.

In addition to his wife, Sherri, survivors also include his son, Daniel Norman Fleming, of the home; his mother, Nesta Fleming; one brother, Stephen Canfield, Carthage, Mo.; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, and also his father who passed away Nov. 11, 1967.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 30, at Ferry Funeral Home, in Nevada, with the Rev. Terry Mosher officiating. Interment will follow in Newton Burial Park, in Nevada. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, also at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made in his memory to a College Fund for his son Daniel.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.