Remembering Nathan Pike - Long time KCA Member & Supporter Passes
Nathan “Nate” Robert Pike, 85, died Thursday September 20, 2018 at the Minneola District Hospital. He was born to Cecil Eugene and Lula Belle (Dorsey) Pike on May 22, 1933. Nathan was born in the home of his grandparents in the Lexington Community, Clark County, Kansas on land homesteaded by Grandfather Nathan Eugene Pike and Nancy Jane Lamb Pike (across the road from Mount Jesus) in 1885. Nathan’s grandfather grew the first wheat in Clark County.
Nathan “Nate” grew up in the Lexington Township, Clark County and attended his first 2 ½ years of education in North Star Country School in the Lexington Community. He moved with his parents, sister Joan, and brother Cecil Dean to the Minneola community in November 1941 when they purchased the Pike Ranch. They all attended Minneola Public Schools.
Nathan and Beverly Young were united in marriage on December 15, 1950 and have made their home on the Pike Ranch since 1954. To this union were born 3 sons, Kris Leon (died in infancy), Brad Eugene, and Byron Lee.
Nathan pastured cattle in several surrounding states: Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, Colorado, and New Mexico, and bought and sold cattle in all these areas. He has many friends in the business and kept in contact with a good many through the years. He did business with mostly a handshake – which was customary back years ago – not so much today. His word and honesty was a trait many respected. In later years, Nathan supported the livestock organizations, KCA and R-Calf USA. After his health deteriorated he had to turn the business over to the sons Brad and Byron, but continued to be involved in business decisions.
Nathan was preceded in death by parents Cecil and Lula Belle (Dorsey) Pike, brother Cecil Pike, sister Joan Parnell, and infant son Kris. He is survived by devoted wife and partner of 67 years Beverly, son Brad (Sandra), son Byron (Melissa), grandchildren Heather Grigsby (Brandon), Missi Ryherd (Jerrod), and Jamie Pike, and 5 great grandchildren - Reese, Britton, and Kashlee Grigsby and Cole and Brooks Ryherd.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Minneola District Hospital in care of Minnis Mortuary, P.O. Box 459, Minneola, Kansas 67865.