Nathan James Grimes, beloved son of the late James F. Grimes and Kelly J. (Waterman) Grimes, was born on October 14, 1988, at Lake of the Ozarks and departed this life on February 12, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He was 37 years, 3 months, and 29 days old. During his short time on Earth, Nathan shared a lifetime of memories with his family and friends.
Nathan grew up in Lebanon and was a proud 2007 graduate of Lebanon High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Business from Missouri State University in 2014. Bilingual and curious about the world, Nathan studied abroad in Costa Rica and developed a deep appreciation for different cultures and politics, both at home and abroad.
After graduation, Nathan moved to Dallas, Texas, where he worked at Verizon’s corporate office in Irving. In 2023, he returned home to Lebanon to be closer to his family. Over the last two years, he lovingly and selflessly cared for his parents, a reflection of the quiet strength and devotion that defined him.
Nathan had many passions. He loved hiking and being outdoors, playing video games, and diving into his favorite movies and TV shows. He appreciated nice cars and good music, and he enjoyed cooking and exploring cuisine from different regions and cultures. More than anything, Nathan treasured time spent with family and friends. Nathan maintained close friendships with many people from his grade school years.
Though he never had children of his own, he proudly embraced the role of “cool uncle” to his friends’ children and to his nieces and nephews. He delighted in spoiling them and wore that title with pride, always surrounding them with unconditional love. Wherever Nathan went, he brought laughter and energy — often becoming the life of the party with his humor and vibrant spirit. He was a loyal and devoted friend, someone you could always count on.
Nathan was preceded in death by his father, James F. Grimes; his maternal grandparents, John and Edith (Franks) Waterman; his paternal grandparents, Clon and Nellie (Dillion) Grimes; his nephew, Robert Ashton Hazlewood; and his beloved dogs, Charlotte and Andromeda (Annie).
He is survived by his mother, Kelly Grimes; his sisters, Heather Hazlewood and her husband Roger, and Jennifer Kilburn and her husband Brian, all of Lebanon; his nieces and nephews, Kailyn Hazlewood, Christopher Kilburn, Graicyn Hazlewood, Parker Kilburn, and Rylan Hazlewood;, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and lifelong friends whom Nathan loved as family. Among these special friends were Dominica Bowling, Kat Durant, and Amanda Clamme who throughout life’s challenges remained devoted to their friendship and showed unwavering support of one another.
Funeral services for Nathan James Grimes will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 20, 2026, at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel with Jon Simmonds officiating. Burial will be in Mount Rose Memorial Park.
Visitation will be held at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel Thursday, February 19, 2026 starting at 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with funeral expenses or to Shayla’s Lighthouse, in memory of Shayla, a dear childhood friend of Nathan’s. Donations can be left at or mailed to Shadels’ Colonial Chapel, 1001 N. Lynn or P.O. Box 948, Lebanon, Missouri 65536.
Arrangements are under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon. Sign guest book at www.shadelscolonialchapel.com.
