Nick Carper

(From Meadors Funeral Home)

Nicholas “Nick” Eugene Carper, of Republic, MO, went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Nick was 84 years old. He was born on December 03, 1939, to Paul and Naomi (Wainscott) Carper, in Anderson, Indiana, and was the fourth of nine children.

He graduated from High School in Anderson, Indiana, and then enlisted in the US Army. In 1959, while still enlisted in the Army, he married Betty Stewart. Nick and Betty were blessed with four children, Kristy, Sam, Karen and Fred. 

Nick was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend. He had a compassionate, friendly personality, and a heart of gold. Nick was a Renaissance Man with a MacGyver side. He loved learning new things, from fixing old clocks to player pianos, if “Nick can do it”, he did. 

His love of education, compassion for people, and his ability to strike up a conversation with complete strangers and nourish their soul with his passion for the Lord, led him to pursue a degree in nursing…at the age of 50… Nick received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Pitt State University. Hospice was his calling; he started as a nurse and went on to manage New Hope Hospice in Joplin, MO. 

Nick loved his family, and he instilled in his children the Christian values that were so important to him and Betty. Nick and Betty were members of Wilson Creek Baptist Church for the past several years.

Nick, through God’s grace, was surrounded by empathetic and compassionate caregivers during his final days. Nick’s family would like to express their gratefulness and admiration to the staff at Mercy, especially the emergency room, 4th floor neuro intensive care unit, and 7th floor palliative care nurses that prayed with them and went above and beyond for their family during this difficult time.

He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings Frank Carper, Gracie Engles, John Carper, Gloria Lemon and an infant brother, Samuel Joseph Carper.

Nick is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Betty, children, Kristy Dollens, Sam Carper and wife Kathy, Karen Doss and husband Larry and Fred Carper and wife Amanda, 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, brothers Paul Carper and Tim (Cheryl) Carper, sister Susie Patterson as well nieces, nephews and other extended family and countless friends. Nick will be greatly missed by all whose lives had been touched by him.

A Visitation is scheduled for Monday, November 18, 2024, from 1 – 2 p.m. at Wilson Creek Baptist Church (6411 South Farm Road 115, Brookline, MO). Funeral Services will follow at 2 pm. with Pastor Randall Moody officiating. Nick will be laid to rest, at a later date, in Missouri Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.