Walter “Nick” Wilton Openshaw, 80, son of Walter and Phoebe (Nichols) Openshaw, was born Jan. 3, 1937, in Mesa, Ariz. He passed away Jan. 15, 2017, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Mo., surrounded by his family.
Nick was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Kay Rochester and Linda Kinsley.
Nick is survived by his wife, Beverly of Plato, two sons, Timothy Troy of Plato, Mo., and Kai of Queen Creek, Ariz.; one daughter, Kolbie Shea of Boise, Idaho; four sisters, Toy Lund of Mesa, Ariz., Sue Smith of Scottsdale, Ariz., Jan Stice of Success, Mo., and Sydney Burns of West Point, Utah; three brothers, Doc of Huggins, Mo., Scott of Tonopah, Ariz., and Sam of Tempe, Ariz.; 14 grandkids; and three great-grandkids.
Nick grew up in the Phoenix, Ariz., and graduated from Phoenix Technical College in 1954.
He married Beverly Hodges on July 4, 1958, at the LDS Church in Phoenix, Ariz. They were later sealed together as a family for time and all eternity in the Mesa, Ariz., temple. Nick loved to take his family on trips where they could experience the outdoors.
Nick was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He enjoyed helping others within the congregation and letting them see the light and service of Jesus Christ in their lives. He served as a scoutmaster for many years in the church. He enjoyed working with the young men, and showing them the many ways to make scouting fun.
Nick spent most of his working life in concrete and construction. In 1973, he and his partner, Mark, opened Temcon Concrete in Tempe, Ariz. He worked there for nearly 20 years before moving to Missouri to take up the farming life. Nick loved to work. He was always doing a project, either for work or on the farm. He spent many hours working with the cows he had on his farm, and doing projects to make his farm a better place to be.
Nick loved to go 100 miles per hour, whether that was in the air or on the road. He flew Ultralights in competitions and was president of the Phoenix association. He also loved to drive motorcycles, and owned a Harley that he would take on trips.
Nick was a wonderful husband, father, grandpa, uncle and friend. He was always looking to give either help, or a hard time, to anyone around him. He will be missed by everyone who knew him, but his presence will be in the lives of anyone he ever made contact with.
Visitation 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017, at the Houston Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Services begin at 11 a.m. with Bishop Jake Vonallmen officiating. Burial will be in Hickory Ridge Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests that donations be made to the Hickory Ridge Cemetery. To send an online condolence, go to www.evansfh.com.