Joe Richard Nunn passed away peacefully on June 27, 2024, at Mitchell Care Center with family present. He was 90 years old at the time of his passing. Memorial services for Joe will be 10:30 AM on Friday, July 12, 2024, at the Memorial United Methodist Church in Harrison, Nebraska. Joe’s ashes will be scattered at the ranch. In lieu of flowers, his family appreciates memorials be directed to the Harrison Volunteer Fire Department or the Sioux County Historical Society, both in Harrison, NE.
Joe was born December 3, 1933, at Lakin, Kansas, the oldest of 3 children of Pete and Neva (Barber) Nunn. His early childhood was spent in western Kansas. When Joe was 9 years old World War II broke out and he became the full time hired man as everyone of military age joined up. In 1945 they moved from Lakin to the ranch at Sharon Springs, Kansas where Joe graduated from high school in 1951. Joe attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado for 2 years.
Shortly after moving to Sioux County in 1952 Joe met Patricia Corbin at a 4-H meeting. They were married on September 24,1953 in Harrison, Nebraska.
Joe and Patty always lived on the ranch and raised their 5 children. They had a house in Harrison during their school years, so they didn’t have to drive back and forth. Joe’s dad Pete passed away in 1979 and in 1980 Six Bar Ranch Incorporated was formed, which still exists today. Later in life they enjoyed traveling and visiting relatives in Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas.
Joe was highly active in the community. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Harrison. He was a 4-H leader for 15 years. Joe served on the Sioux County Extension Board, Agricultural Society (Fair Board), and was Director of Nebraska High School Rodeo Association when the rodeo was in Harrison every year. Joe was very active in the Niobrara Electric Association (Director and President) with 27 years of service. He was also a member of the Nebraska Stockgrowers Association and National Cattlemen’s Association. Joe was a charter member of Sioux County Historical Society. Joe served 8 years as a Sioux County Commissioner. He was active in his community and cattle industry.
When Patty passed away in 2014 (married 61 years) Joe continued to reside on the ranch. In 2018 Joe moved into the Mitchell Care Center to recover from surgery. He was a resident there until his death and enjoyed new friends and activities. Joe is fondly remembered for his quick wit and dry sense of humor, even into his declining years.
Survivors include daughter Connie (Mike) Brost of Pine Haven, WY, grandson Matthew (Jodi) Brost of Cheyenne, WY, great grandchildren Kourtney and Cael Brost of Cheyenne, WY, granddaughter Lacy (Chris) Klein, grandchildren: Kailey, Britney, and Christopher Klein all of Harrison, NE, granddaughter Maggie (Monte) Adams, grandchildren Whitney and Connor Adams of Harrison, NE and Margie Brost of Harrison, NE; son Tom (Beth) Nunn of Harrison, NE, grandson PJ Nunn of Murfreesboro, TN, great grandchildren: Kelsey Nunn of Ormond Beach, Fl, and Josh Nunn of Murfreesboro, TN, granddaughter Jeanie Nunn of Lusk, WY, great grandchildren Joe, Leea, and Lizzy Lambert of Whitney, NE, granddaughter Sarah Morgan of Colorado, great grandson Corbin Morgan of Bosie, ID, grandchildren Caleb Nunn of Scottsbluff, NE and Faith Nunn of Norfolk, NE, daughter Barbie (Mark) Serres of Deadwood, SD; daughter-in-law Kathy (Neil) Nunn, granddaughter Kodi (Garrette) Naillon, great grandchildren Harper and Barrett Naillon, grandson Clint Nunn all of Harrison, NE; son Richard Nunn of Mitchell, NE, grandson Brady (Janel) Nunn, great grandchildren Brendan and Evelyn all of Tomball, TX; sisters Janet (Clayton) Johnson of Johnstown, CO and Judy (Harry) Engebretsen Howell of Gering, NE; brother-in-law Elmus (Virginia) Corbin of Harrison, NE; longtime friends John and Pat Skavdahl of Harrison, NE; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends from all over as well as all the special friends and staff from the Mitchell Care Center.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents Pete and Neva Nun; wife Patty of 61 years; son Neil; brothers-in-law Bill Corbin and Jerry Engebretsen; great granddaughter Nevaeh Morgan; and nephew Judd Engebretsen.
Joe’s Family wishes to extend a special thanks to the staff at the Mitchell Care Center for all their kindness and care in his final years.