Nolan McKenzie's Obituary
Nolan McKenzie, 69, of Columbia, MO, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024, at his home. Memorial services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church with Reverend Ron Tooley officiating. Inurnment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.
Born October 12, 1954, in Saline County, he was the son of the late Shirley Mae McKenzie, Bynum, where he lived in most of his early adulthood and worked at Marshall Habilitation Center during the summers. He was an accomplished musician, played various instruments, as well as played in a local band with several childhood friends (Guy, Paul & Lance), known as "Sweat Incorporated". Following graduation, Nolan enlisted in the United States Army, later married Glenda Laster (of Marshall), they shared a beautiful daughter but later were divorced. Several years later Nolan had also attended State Fair Community College, as well as Penn Valley Community College, before relocating to Quincy Illinois, where he successfully attained a license as a Heating and Air-Cooling Technician.
Nolan eventually moved to Louisville, Kentucky where he lived for over 15 years, worked as a meat packaging specialist at Swift & Company, as well as served as the Minister of Music at Highland Baptist Church. Nolan returned to Missouri in 2012, where he resided In Kansas City, Missouri until 2024.
Nolan is survived by two daughters, Stephanie (Marshall, Mo.) and Lamiya McKenzie (Quincy Illinois), one brother, Wesley Renay Stewart (Kansas City, Mo.), two sisters, Consuelo Irene Stewart (also of Kansas City) and Deborah Lucille Williams (Columbia, Mo.), one Uncle, Charles Russell McKenzie of Marshall; as well as nephews, and other extended family/friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts and an uncle.
He came Himself to meet me
in the way so hard to tread;
And with Jesus’ arm to lean on
could I have one doubt or dread?
Then you must not grieve so sorely,
for I love you dearly still.
Try to look beyond death’s shadows;
Pray to trust our Father’s will.
There is work still waiting for you,
so, you must not idly stand.
Do it now, while life remaineth;
you shall rest in Jesus’ land.
When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you home;
Oh, the rapture of that meeting;
Oh, the joy to see you come!
- Special thanks to Mrs. Betty Johnson for her ongoing/unwavering support to our family.
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