Henry "Nick" Nicholas Kilian, age 73, resident of Independence, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Carmel Hills Health and Wellness in Independence, Missouri. Nick was born the son of Henry A. and Sarah Ellen ( Pauline Holman) Kilian on Monday, November 17, 1952, in Chillicothe, Missouri.

Nick was a graduate of Raytown High School in 1970 and pursued further education for a year in college. He dedicated his professional life to his work as a machinist at Fike Metal Corp, where he was respected for his skill and dedication.

Nick's passions extended beyond his work. He was an avid outdoorsman who found joy in hunting and fishing. His love for adventure was evident in his fondness for riding motorcycles, a passion he shared with his father as they traveled across the country together. As a teenager, Henry and his friend John delighted in catching and training pigeons to be homing pigeons, a testament to his enjoyment of the simple things of life. Chillicothe held a special place in his heart, and he often reminisced about the good friends and fun times he had there, always expressing a desire to return.

Henry is survived by his two loving sisters, Carol Jean Broadbent of Independence, Missouri, and Cathy Garcia and her husband, Damian, of Overland Park, Kansas, as well as several nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry A. Kilian and Sarah Ellen Pauline Lusk, and his sisters, Sherry Newton and Mary Alice Shannon.

Graveside services will be held at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Chillicothe, Missouri on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 1:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Wildlife Association in honor of Henry's love for nature and wildlife, and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home. PO Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be left at www.lindleyfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.