Mark had his first coaching and teaching position in Stover, MO. He then had an opportunity to sell health and life insurance before moving out to the farm to raise hogs and cattle. In 1987, Mark started what would be his lifelong career as an agriculture businessman from operating a feed store, grain elevator, and fertilizer-chemical plant. He continued to be in the fertilizer-chemical business until his death, employing majority of his family at one point or another.
Mark was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Appleton City. Mark was a hard-working man who loved his family and would help anybody he knew. He instilled a very good work ethic and honesty in his children. He enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandchildren. Their favorite past times were fishing, weenie roasts, checking cows, bottle feeding calves, riding in the gator, and picking up walnuts. He enjoyed attending their sporting events or watching cartoons with them. He always had a story to tell and loved talking shop with farmers. He was a very smart man who knew a lot about anything and everything. His children joked he would be their “phone a friend” lifeline if they ever made it on any game show. He was your go-to man for homework help. You could always catch him on the couch either yelling at the tv during a Chiefs, Royals, or Jayhawks game or having an afternoon nap. He has always been an avid card player and on the slow days you could find them playing pitch at the office. Mark and Denice enjoyed various vacations together from traveling to Switzerland, Canada, Hawaii, skiing in Colorado, Caribbean cruises, and many more trips. They experienced a life blessed with faith, family, and good friends.
Preceding Mark in death were his parents, Eunice and Ray Nitchals; and one great grandson, Rowan Alexander. He leaves behind his wife of 48 years Denice and their 3 children Ryan (Kadeena) Nitchals, Stacie (Blayne) Varns, and Rachel (Daniel) Hooper; 10 grandchildren, Mikayla and Kyra Jacks, Owen McElwain, Natalie and Jackson Nitchals, Nolan, Melanie, and Eli Varns, Ellie and Bennett Hooper; 2 great-grandsons Rhett and Ryker Jacks; his 3 brothers Al and wife Janet, Charlie, and Harry Nitchals; multiple nieces and nephews; and other family and friends. Mark will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
The family suggests MEMORIAL donations be made to Trinity UMC or Appleton City Cemetery Association and they may be left at the funeral home.
-Courtesy Hill & Son Funeral Home
