Richard graduated from Missouri Valley College in 1932, and was a standout half-back and quarterback for the Viking football team.  Richard was a member of the 1929 team that won the Conference Championship, and was a member of the team that played the very first game at Gregg-Mitchell Field.  In 1929 Gregg-Mitchell Field was formally dedicated with a ribbon cutting ceremony conducted by the Governor of Missouri.

After earning his D.O. degree from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Nuckles served as the team physician for Missouri Valley College fro 25 years.  Dr. Nuckles followed the Vikings all across the country, in his words, “enjoying every minute of it.”  Dr. Nuckles practiced medicine in Marshall from 1936 to 1962, before moving his practice to Lincoln, Missouri.  Dr. Nuckles was renowned for charging low rates for his medical services that brought him national recognition through articles in the Chicago Tribune, and on network television.

Dr. Nuckles has four children Robert, Kristin, Susan, and Richard, four grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.