Spiro Nicholaw

(From Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home)

Spirow Nicholaw, 95, passed away peacefully at his home in Monett, Missouri on January 2, 2022. Spirow was born near Cannery Row in Monterey, California in 1926 to Constantine and Anna Nicholaw. The family moved to Salinas, California where his father owned and operated the Victory Bar and Grill restaurant. 

Spirow graduated from Salinas High School, Hartnell College, and San Jose State. He served in the United States Navy in the Pacific on two aircraft carriers, the Commencement Bay in WWII and the Bairoko during the Korean War.

His dream was to become a musical conductor, but he had to leave the Music Conservatory of Los Angeles to serve in the Korean War. Upon his return, he worked as a draftsman and civil engineer until his retirement.

In 1981, Spirow was married to Connie and began the many happy years they spent together. The couple traveled, attended church, enjoyed Navy reunions, daily trips to the YMCA, and many happy times surrounded by family and their friends.

Not one to sit on his years, Spirow remained a very active man into his 90’s. He played the piano daily, enjoyed racquetball several times a week, and was no stranger to the dance floor. Spirow had many hobbies, and especially loved airplane modeling and built over 30 radio control antique free-flight models. Some had a wingspan of 14 feet. He looked forward to flying with his airplane buddies every Saturday and annual Navy reunions with his shipmates from the Bairoko.

Spirow is preceded in death by his parents, his son David and brothers George and Andy. He leaves behind his wife, Connie Nicholaw of Monett, MO; daughter Melissa Nicholaw of Chico, CA; stepson David LaNore and wife Heidi of Pierce City, MO; grandsons Jesse Nicholaw of Yuba City, CA; Troy Nicholaw of Tracy, CA; Daniel LaNore and wife Shanna of Aurora, MO; Justin LaNore of Monett, MO; granddaughter Chelsea Taylor and husband Alex of Neosho, Mol 14 great-grandchildren; and sister Elaine Kontaxis of Oregon.

Visitation for Spirow is being held on Friday January 7, 2022 from 6:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett, Missouri. Funeral services with Military Honors are being held on Saturday January 8, 2022 at 2:00p.m. at the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett, Missouri with Greg Mercer and Pastor Aaron Weibel officiating.

Spirow will be laid to rest at the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri with memorial donations going to New Site Baptist Church in Monett, Missouri.

Spirow’s family would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to Compassus Hospice Care of Monett, MO. They were a great comfort to all during this difficult time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett, Missouri.