March 5, 2026

Linn County News

Published March 11, 2026

Rick "Rockin' Rick" Nash, 67, of Lawrence, Kan., passed away on Feb. 23, 2026, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Lawrence, Kan.

Rick was born to parents Joe Victor Nash and Janice Maline Heitman on Nov. 13, 1958, in Kansas City, Kan. Rick married Mary Rose Keyes in 1979. One son was born to this matrimony. In 1986, he married Kristin Robinson, and to this marriage, two sons were born.

Rick's biggest and only dream was to be a radio broadcaster, which he pursued early in life, building a radio station in his basement, reaching the local neighborhood. From that stemmed the opportunity to work at multiple stations in and around the Kansas City and surrounding area. Starting in Ottawa, Kan., on 99KG, Saline, Kan., moving onto 71 WHB, KY102, "Nash at Night" on 61 Country AM, Program Director of KOMB 103.9 in Fort Scott, Kan., and on-air talent at KSEK 99.1 and "Rockin' Rick Nash" KWXD 103.5 in Pittsburg, Kan. 

Ricks' quick wit could add laughter to any setting he was in. He was a Kansas City Royals fan, with a fond memory of broadcasting live on KY102 the night of the 1985 I-70 Showdown Series. He was also a Kansas City Chiefs fan, able to quote statistics from several years back. 

Rick's love for being around people allowed him to share his light abundantly and have many friends, often considering him family. He also shared his unconditional love with God and family. Having the opportunity to fulfill "PaPa" status to immediate and extended family members was a bonus for him. 

Both Rick's father and mother, along with his grandparents, preceded him in death. He is survived by his sons Ricky Jr. (Tonya Lopp) of Prescott Kan., Sheridan (Alexis) Fort Scott, Kan., and Drew, Lawrence, Kan.; a brother, Michael Nash; sisters Lisa (Cheri) Collins and Lavonne (Brad) Hudsleston; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at Brooklyn Cemetery, La Cygne, Kan., on April 11, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the Rick Nash Memorial on everloved.com.