An Eastern Kentucky city is coping with the loss of its mayor.

Bob Nickell was in his third term as Mayor of West Liberty when he died suddenly.

Nickell dedicated his life to serving his country and community. On January 10th, his leadership came to a sudden end.

"That day my heart was broken. He was my friend, my companion, my world, my everything. He was also that to this town," said Nickell's wife Alane.

Alane Nickell says her husband's service began as a Marine Captain in Vietnam. After that, he worked for the Post Service and later taught Biology and Algebra. All of this before he was Mayor of West Liberty.

"He loved this town. That was his heart. My town, he would say," said Alane Nickell.

Judge Executive Tim Conley says Nickell's desire exceeded city limits.

"Cities and counties can do so much better if you work as a team and we agreed right off the bat we would work as a team. The mayor's first words to me were leave it better than you find it," said Conley.

Conley says Nickell's vision didn't only bring water and sewage to the city, but most of the county. He was spear heading plans for a new firehouse when he passed away.

"It's tough times, but Bob would say soldier, get up and go on. And that's how Bob would be," added Conley.

It's just one of Nickell's mottos that's helping many cope with saying goodbye.

Visitation for Nickell is at 4:30 P.M. Thursday at Morgan County High School. His funeral service begins at 1:00 P.M. Friday at West Liberty Christian Church. Burial will follow at Salyers Cemetery.