Charles Dennis Nash

Charles Dennis Nash, after a hard battle with cancer, passed away peaceably, at home, on December 30, 2024, in Springfield, Missouri. He was born in Lowry City, Missouri on September 26, 1949, to Henry ‘Grady’ Nash and Violet ‘Meryl’ Nash nee Fletcher. He lived mostly in Morgan County, Missouri attending high school in Versailles, Missouri. His folks owned and operated Nash’s Hickory Pit BBQ in Gravois Mills, Missouri, Lake of the Ozarks. He was truly one of a kind. A rambler in the truest sense of the word. He lived a life full of adventure and resilience. Gathering life stories to entertain family and friends, forever. From helping his parents at the “Hickory Pit BBQ". Serving his country in Vietnam, afterward, healing his soul by seeing our country up close and personal, riding on his thumb, good looks and charm. He traveled from coast to coast, including Canada. His life on the road defined him - until he found Nancy. He and Nancy married in 1989 and built a life filled with love, caring for others, and nurturing animals of all kinds, from chickens to horses and everything in between. For many years he was a chef, but BBQ was his passion. He was able to finally catch up to his father Grady, by perfecting the taste and quality of Nash’s BBQ Sauce, which he sold and distributed to happy customers of the Hickory Pit, even after it had been long closed. It was one of his favorite pastimes. Profit was his least consideration, as he absolutely loved making it. If he covered expenses, he was the winner. He owned and operated a mobile vehicle detailing business for nearly thirty years. He was proud of his water saving products and had great pride in his workmanship, he and his business being known as The Shine Guy(s). In early June 2024 he was diagnosed with stage four lung and bone cancer. After a brave and valiant fight, he found eternal rest on December 30, 2024. Going before him were both parents, two nephews Alan Dawson and Dustin Carroll, and two sisters Margo Dawson and Debbie Winquist. Charley left behind not only his beloved wife, Nancy Nash (nee Scotton), Springfield, MO, but is survived by a sister, Robin Carroll of Terre Haute, Indiana and by two daughters he discovered late in life, Jan Morton (Bryan) of Great Bend, KS and Melody Parker of Vancouver Island, Canada. Daughters he did not know until they each appeared at his doorstep as adults. He welcomed both with open arms and unconditional love. He is also survived by a third, equally loved, daughter, Tina Bailey of Versailles, MO. Also surviving are step-children Thomas Kohler, Branson, MO, Rebecca (Shawn) Seitz, Branson, MO, David and Robert Kohler, Springfield, MO. He is also survived by grandchildren; Joel Shelor, Laken Shelor, Great Bend, KS, Charlie and Opal Cleugh Vancouver, Canada. Trasin, Se’Mia, Davarias and KeyRon Burrow of Versailles, MO. Step-grandchildren David Kohler II, Springfield, MO, Zachary Kohler, Las Vegas, NV, Izeck (Ariana) Kohler, Severn, Maryland, Devon Kohler, Branson, MO, Allissa Jenkins (nee Kohler), Kansas City, MO, Liam Kohler, Springfield, MO, Rebecca (Jasper) Randall (nee Kohler), Goldendale, WA. His family is greatly extended by great-grandchildren Alexis, MaKenna, Patrick & Bradley Shelor, Great Bend, KS. Logan and Natalia Kohler, Severn, MD, Aleah, Justice, Paisley and Sebastian Strong, Camdenton, MO, Gabriel, Gideon and Anabelle Jenkins in Kansas City, Kansas and one great-great-granddaughter Ember in Kansas. He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends. Charles enjoyed the fellowship at Cherry Grove Baptist Church, Tunas, MO, from 2005 to present day. Only COVID, a move to Springfield and bad health, deterring his attendance. He enjoyed people (audiences) and never really had customers, they were, in his eyes, all ‘Friends’. We will all greatly miss his big personality and presence. Graveside services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 in the New Hope Cemetery with Pastor John Stewart officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to help pay for funeral expenses.

Charles Dennis Nash

September 26, 1949 - December 30, 2024