Edward Merle Nicks

1945 - 2026

Edward Merle Nicks
06/01/1945 - 02/16/2026
Edward Merle Nicks, 80 of Midland, passed away February 16, 2026. A visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Friday, February 20, 2026 at the Branch at npw. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the Branch at npw. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.
Edward Merle Nicks was born June 1, 1945 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Anthony Merle Nicks and Marie Nicks. He was married to Janet Lynn Stokes Nicks and his children were Kelli Page Gruzins and Kerri Payne James. Edward is a veteran of 4 years with the Air Force and Midland Police department for 33 years where he was a Sargent over SWAT and K9. After retiring from MPD he continued training police force K9s around the country for Adlerhorst K9 for 20 more years. A total of 57 years of service. He and his K9 partner Joll received the Officer of the year award. He owned J&E K9 academy that trained civilian dogs for over 30 years in Midland, Texas.
Edward is survived by his wife, Janet Lynn Nicks, two daughters Kelli Page Gruzins and Kerri Payne James, his grandchildren Hudson David Gruzins, Cameron Mantle Payne, Carson Maddux Payne, and Harper Kayleigh Gruzins, and his great grandchild Natasia Nyx Raven Gruzins.
Edward is preceded in death by his parents Merle and Marie Nicks and his sister Anna Mae Melhuse.
The family would like to express their gratitude towards Midland Police Department officers, Midland Memorial hospital staff and all the many family members and friends who stood by him.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.