Harold R. "Nebs" Nevius, 91, of Hutchinson, died Dec. 7, 2016, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born Aug. 20, 1925, in Rolla, Kansas, to Chester and Beulah (Smith) Nevius.

Harold graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1943. He then served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946, where he was a gunner onboard a Liberty ship. After returning from the war, Nebs attended Hutchinson Junior College, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University. While at Hutchinson Junior College, Nebs played offense and defense on the football team and was the first All-American Hutchinson Junior College football player. Nebs also participated in basketball and track, while attending Hutchinson Junior College. He competed in the decathlon at the Kansas Relays and was a star athlete on the college's track team. Nebs was also a member of the Hutchinson Golden Gloves boxing team, winning the Golden Gloves Heavy Weight division two years in a row. He would go from basketball practice at the college to boxing practice. The highly acclaimed Hutchinson News Sportscaster, Fred Mendell once wrote, "not since the days of Sol Butler has Hutchinson ever had as good an athlete than Harold "Nebs" Nevius."

In the late 1950s, Nebs got into the entertainment business and built and operated the Fireside Club, bringing live music to Hutchinson three nights a week. He continued to run the Fireside Club until the 1970s, where everyone knew your name.

On Aug. 13, 1949, he married Patricia Pitts in Hutchinson. She survives. Other survivors are: son, Michael Nevius and wife Sherry of Hutchinson; and sister, Elnora Martin of Augusta. He was preceded in death by: his parents; son, Steve Russell Nevius; and brother, Vestil Gene Nevius and wife Jane.

Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5905 W. 4th Avenue, Hutchinson, with Pastor David R. Landis officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary. The casket will remain closed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hutchinson Community College Endowment Association, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501. Nebs was greatly loved and will be missed by everyone.