Nathan "Nate" O. Dexter

Nathan Otto Dexter, 81, passed away November 21, 2024 in Charleston, West Virginia, where he had lived since September of 2021 when his wife was recruited to be CEO of Highland Hospital.

He was born in Atchison, KS, May 30, 1943, son of Dr. Howard Dexter and Mrs. Lola (Higley) Dexter of Topeka, maternal grandson of Perry and Grace (Leland) Higley of Cummings, KS and paternal grandson of Clark and Leona (Morrell) Dexter of Larned, KS. Clark Herbert Dexter died in 1921, so Nathan knew his grandfather to be Otto Frankenfeld of Winfield, Kansas, who married Leona long before Nathan’s birth. 

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 42 years, Nadine (Hansen) Dexter, currently residing in Charleston, West Virginia, his sons Ethan (40) of Loveland, CO, Clayton (32) of Denver, CO, Leland (30) of Aurora, CO, and Spenser (28) of Lakewood, CO, four grandchildren, and his two siblings Grace (Dexter) Morrison of Topeka, KS, and Perry Dexter of El Cerrito, CA. Preceding him in death were his daughter, Amanda (5), and sister Diane (65). 

Nathan’s earliest memories were in Boston, MA, while his dad attended dental school. Shortly thereafter, his parents moved him to Tecumseh, KS, where he attended First Presbyterian Church of Topeka, and went through high school at Highland Park. He graduated from Washburn University, then attended graduate school at KU (English Lit). He was a Naval Officer during the Vietnam War, then moved back to Topeka after his service, where he worked in management at Hallmark Cards until he started his own printing business (Minuteman Press) which he ran for 18 years. In 2004, he and his family moved to Casper, WY, which remains their primary residence, as well as the place he most enjoyed living in his life. The highlight of his life was having and raising his 4 wonderful sons and engaging in their activities. He spent 25 years involved with Boy Scouts of America, helping his sons achieve the rank of Eagle. He spent many years coaching little league baseball, and attending spelling bees, debate team events, and band concerts. Nate was as athletic as he was musical, and he carried those traits with him through the end of his life, singing and strumming his guitar as recently as a few weeks before his passing. He was a lifelong reader and learner, finding joy in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. His mind was a treasure trove of facts and insights, and he had a knack for sharing what he learned in ways that captivated and engaged those who listened. Each story he told was not just entertainment but a piece of wisdom, a reflection of his love for learning and trying new things. In that same way, he was genuinely curious about people and their stories, and always welcomed new people from all walks of life. He was one of the kindest, most humble, most sincere people to have ever lived, and he will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 on Thursday, December 5, 2024, with funeral services being at 1:00pm on Friday, December 6, 2024 both at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66604, committal services will immediately follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, 3616 SW 6th Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66606.

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