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Laurance Nickey Obituary
He attended Dudley Grammar School and graduated from El Paso High School, UTEP, and Baylor University College of Medicine. He was in the private practice of Pediatrics from 1960 - 1983. He then turned his full attention to public health, assuming the position of Director of the El Paso City - County Health District. He served until his retirement in 1995. His contributions to improve the health of all El Paso citizens have been many: the Oral Polio Immunization program in 1963, the improved treatment for El Pasoans with tuberculosis, the Improved Pregnancy Outcome Program, securing health insurance for newborns, and many, many other programs. His awards, honors, and accolades are too numerous to mention.
Dr. Nickey is survived by his wife Jan. They raised seven children: Deborah Adams (Robert), Larry Nickey III (Jacilee), Donna Serna (Johnny Quintana), Stephen Nickey (Angela), Susan Meitz (Jeff), Grant Foxworth (Cheryl), and Hal Foxworth (deceased). They have nine grandchildren: Justin, Mark, Jeff, Shaelan, Truett, Kristen, Laura, Trevor, Julia and great grandchildren, Max and Myra.
Visitation will be from 5pm to 8pm Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, from 5pm to 8pm at Martin West, 128 N. Resler. Funeral services will be Sunday, Sept.2, 2018 at 1:30 PM also at Martin West. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Dr. Nickey's memory be made to The Community Foundation, PO Box 272, El Paso TX 79943-0272, for The Laurance N. Nickey and Janis Jones Nickey Fund for Public Health, The Baptist Clinic, c/o Eleanor Poe R.N., 8308 Echo, El Paso, TX 79904, or a charity of your choice that benefits El Paso. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West. www.martinfuneralhomewest.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Laurance Nickey
Sponsored by ElPasoTimes.com.
Gloria Ruiz-Rosado
January 22, 2026
Dr. Nickey was my pediatrician growing up and helped my parents when I battled cancer at 3 years old with a Wilm's tumor where I lost my left kidney. I was always afraid to look him up as I knew he would be older and I didn't want to know of his passing. He held such a significant part in my life. I remember being 13 and becoming a young lady and my parents being told I may not have children due to the radiation treatment I received as a child. When I found out I was pregnant with my first child I went to see Dr. Nickey at his office. He was the Director of the Health Department during this time. I remember being in tears and telling him that I was having a baby and that without him I wouldn't be here. Dr. Nickey had such a profound effect on my life and he will certainly always be missed.
Joel Dnnington MD
September 29, 2018
I just heard about Larry at the TMA meeting this weekend. Larry was the Chair of the Council on Public Health when I was appointed to the Council. We served together for at least nine years.
He was a man of integrity, humility and knowledge. He was a great champion for all of Public Health. We had talked many times about Public Health and Tobacco Control over the last 20 years. He is what a physician should be.
I will miss him. My condolences to his family.
Monica Bustamante (Colvin)
September 7, 2018
So sorry to see my wonderful Dr. as a child leave us. Mom found him the phone book and took her chance. Cured me of on going step throat. was right. RIP Dr. Nickey. we need more pediatricians like you.
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August 31, 2018
God sent us Dr. Nickey and now He receives him into his loving arms.
Thank-you, Heavenly Father, for your kind, gentle son.
Our family was fortunate and blessed to have known Dr. Nickey - always pleasant, caring and loving with a smile on his face at all times as he cared for and saved the lives of both of our children.
Dr. Nickey will forever be in our thoughts and hearts.
August 30, 2018
I still fondly recall as a child, giggling as Dr. Nickey, peering into my ear through his otoscope, proclaimed he had found an elephant in my ear.
I'm certain there are lots of heavy hearts all over El Paso and far beyond over the loss of a Great one.
My condolences to the family.
Kimberly McCullough
August 28, 2018
Dear Jan,
So sorry for your loss. I know it's been a long road. Keep on keeping on.
Fondly,
Sandi Kahn Carpenter
Dale Colburn
August 27, 2018
My thoughts and condolences to the family. I knew Larry as KD5BDY. I miss the Sundays he spent at the El Paso Amateur Radio Club house. He was a great help and of good cheer. A wonderful man who loved his family and proud of his son's. I will miss him
Marta Castro
August 27, 2018
Dr. Nicky never said No to any referral that I send him.
August 27, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Marta Castro
August 27, 2018
I was working for different programs in this area and I always referred clients that needed help because they did not had any source of medical care. Dr. Nicky gladly found medical resources for them. YOU ALREADY HAVE A PLACE WITH THE LORD.
Joy Leos
August 27, 2018
How do you even begin to capture such a beautiful soul in words? Dr. Nickey will always be my hero. He delivered me on August 23, 1978 and saved my life. I was not breathing and was black and blue. He jumped into action, and through numerous other health hurdles-stood by my families side until I came home from the hospital a month and a half later. As I grew older it was always so much fun to see him at annual check-ups, and I remember his gentle spirit and smile mostly. Every time we ran into one another he would say, "There's the miracle baby. You're one of the Leos girls." That always dumbfounded me that with all of his patients he remembered my name, my family, and our story. One of my fondest memories was getting to meet up with Dr. Nickey at a conference as an adult now working in Public Health. I remember feeling so happy about being able to tell him what I was doing, and how I wanted to help others because of people like him who influenced my life. I get choked up thinking about it now, but he told me that he never doubted I would do great things with my life and that he was proud of me. We had a picture of us taken that day that I treasure. I owe my life to Dr. Nickey and am grateful for his life, his legacy, and all of the lives he touched. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his family. We are with you in your loss.
Kat Mounce Bennett
August 27, 2018
Such a kind man and a caring doctor. Like so many of my generation, I am alive today thanks to Drs. Nickey and Huchton.
Sister Janet Gildea, SC, MD
August 27, 2018
Dr Nickey supported the vision of health care for the colonias that became La Clínica Guadalupana. Thank you for your support! Que descanse en paz!
Judy Jones
August 26, 2018
Hi Jan, our prayers are with you and all the family as you gather for the celebration of a life well lived. My Mom asked me to tell you hi and love from her. She still says you were her favorite neighbor of all times. Give a big hug to Susan and Grant for us.
June Hollenshead
Dickie & Judy Jones
MARIA OLGA CLARK
August 25, 2018
my condolences to the family and his loved ones on behalf of my sons who are now 50 and 49. he took good care of them and for that I am truly grateful. we all know he was one wonderful and rare doctor. He has earned his wings and now must test them out. many blessings for you and yours
Bruce Parsons
August 25, 2018
One measure of a well-lived life is the hope, comfort, and inspiration you leave behind. As I read these notes from all the El Pasoans whose lives were improved by Dr. Nickey, I am heartened. I came to El Paso in 2010 for an administrative job with the El Paso health department so did not get the opportunity to work with Dr. Nickey. However, I have worked with many fine employees who learned public health from him. By extension I have come to know of Dr. Nickey's contribution to to the health of El Paso. Thanks, Dr. Nickey for your leadership and commitment.
Al , Rita, Mark, and Michelle Bleiberg
August 24, 2018
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
August 24, 2018
I was 4 years old when Dr Nickey saved my life. All the other doctors gave up on me... and he would not. He told me I was the first to be diagnosed with Stephen's Johnson's syndrome . Because of his loving care and concern and great medical knowledge I sure many have survived as I did .
Carrie White .. God Bless Dr Nickey
Perry Wofe
August 24, 2018
I had the pleasure of knowing him as a patient and a fellow physician. He stitched my cuts and cured my ills in the same building I now occupy with my practice. I will miss his smile and good sense of humor. I am a better doctor and human being for having known him. My condolences to all his loved ones.
Irene Chavez
August 24, 2018
Dr Nickey lived the life of a champion for children. He saw no distinction of race, ethnicity or income level - he saw a child and was committed to the their health and well being. A man of principles and while kind he was a lion when he fought for the kids. Heaven welcomes another angel, RIP dear friend.
Terri (Guzman) Ronga
August 24, 2018
My deepest condolences to the Nickey family. Dr.Nickey was a
caring,and thorough pediatrician of
his times. A wonderful,compassionate Dr. who saved my life as a 3lb preemie ! I am almost 55 years old and I remember him fondly! He will forever be in my heart !
Kathy Alvarado
August 24, 2018
My grandparents lived across the street from Dr. Nickey, and he was the kindest neighbor imaginable.
Deepest sympathy to the whole family.
Mark Hedrick
August 23, 2018
My son had meningitis at 8 months. Dr. Nickey and his partner, Paul Huchton, attended him constantly for many days in the hospital. They saved his life.
Thank you Dr. Nickey.
Elizabeth Adams
August 23, 2018
Before I was a year old this man saved my life, my deepest condolences to his family. May you rest in peace.
Bob Pena
August 23, 2018
Dr. Nickey demonstrated a keen sense of respect and compassion, not only the children he cared for, but also for their families, the many nurses and technicians he worked with, and colleagues. I remember him making his rounds at Hotel Dieu Medical Center and Providence Memorial Hospital. I worked in the Pulmonary Function laboratory and on occasion was requested to perform studies on children under his care. He always managed to allay the fear and concern of not only his patients but their parents as well. He was one of a kind. My sincere condolences.
lisa steinmann
August 23, 2018
So sorry for your loss he was a very nice man and very nice neighbor and God bless him and his family.
Ellen Proctor
August 23, 2018
On my son's 6th birthday he was covered from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet with chicken pox. It was a Saturday and while helping him out of his pj's, there was a distinct red rash all over his torso. Dr. Nickey was the only doctor willing to wait for me to bring my son into his office. The rash was scarlatina. I started falling in love with this incredible man at that point. Once there, all it took was two minutes to completely fall in love. He was so empathetic and compassionate. That was 36 years ago and my only interaction with Dr. Nickey. I will never forget this great man and will always feel honored to have met him. My sincerest sympathies to his family.
Maria (Alvarado) Flores
August 23, 2018
Dr. Nickey will always be in my heart. This kind man saved my life from bone cancer, from age 13 to age 21 he helped me fight. He helped my parents financially to fly me to Houston when they couldn't. He would make me drive myself to his pediatric office and would not release me to another doctor until, his words, "we see this through". We did. My first born son's name is Joseph Lawrence, after him. My deepest most sincere condolences and prayers go out to the Nickey family. He was one of a kind. -
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