Gerald Nickell

Gerald Wayne Nickell, 95, of Johnson, Kansas, passed away Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Stanton County Long Term Care Unit.

Gerald was born April 20, 1930, in Allen, Oklahoma, to Herbert Clyde "H.C." Nickell and Robbie Lee (Cox) Nickell. As a young man, he moved to Johnson, Kansas, where he began working for a local farmer. It was during one of his first visits to Fields Memorial Wesleyan Church, formerly Fields Memorial Pilgrim Holiness Church, that he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Jane "Betty" Merrill. Their meeting at church would grow into a lifelong partnership built on faith, love, and family. Together they were blessed with three children: Joyce, Wayne, and Harold.

Gerald was a hardworking man who took great pride in the work he did. For many years he worked for the Stanton County Road and Bridge Department, operating heavy equipment such as road graders and helping keep the county's roads maintained. Later, he started his own business, Nickell Construction, where he specialized in dirt work and heavy equipment operations. His reputation for hard work and skill eventually led Stanton County to invite him back to serve as a supervisor, a role he accepted before retiring from the county.

Even in retirement, Gerald never slowed down. He continued serving his community by driving the activities bus for the local school district, taking students to field trips and competitions for many years. He also spent time helping others in any way he could, often cutting down trees for people in the community or those simply in need.

Gerald was known as a strong and capable man who could build or fix nearly anything. He used those talents not just for himself, but to bless others. Over the years, he built many wheelchair ramps that helped make homes more accessible for people facing illness or cancer. Gerald truly lived out the scripture of "loving thy neighbor," putting his faith into action in his everyday life.

He never knew a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel welcome. Gerald was a faithful member of Fields Memorial Wesleyan Church for more than 75 years and served as Sunday School Superintendent for over 40 years, guiding and encouraging generations in their faith. In recognition of their many years of service and dedication to the community, Gerald and his wife, Betty, were honored as Pioneers of the Year during Johnson's annual Pioneer Day celebration.

In quieter moments, Gerald enjoyed playing dominoes with his wife and family. Those games were cherished times together, though they were never easy-Gerald was a very good domino player and a tough opponent to beat. In fact, just two evenings before his passing, he played one final game with his son, Wayne, and his daughter, Joyce, sharing laughter, stories, and the simple joy of being together one more time.

He is survived by his children, Joyce Meyer of Perryton, TX, and Wayne Nickell of West Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Chad Nickell and wife Angy of Ulysses, KS, Chase Nickell and wife Lettie of Johnson, KS, Alisha Grover and husband Mitch of Johnson, KS, and Larin Nickell of Pleasant Prairie, WI; great-grandchildren, Lauren Grover, Ryker Nickell, Kaiser Nickell, Remington Grover, Lia Lee Nickell, and Jax Jay Nickell; sister, Ruby Dean Walker of Arlington, TX; daughter-in-law, Sheryl Fiss and husband Greg of Johnson, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Nickell; son, Harold Nickell; son-in-law, Cecil Meyer, Jr; brothers, Arthur, Arvil, Estle, Leldon, Oral, L.D., and Paul Nickell; and sisters, Zelma Prewitt, Eavel "Johnnie" Palmer, Priscilla Guinn, Aquila Lee, and baby Jewell.

Visitation will be from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Fields Memorial Wesleyan Church in Johnson, Kansas. The family will receive friends during this time.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Fields Memorial Wesleyan Church in Johnson, Kansas, with Pastor Erik Miravete officiating. Interment will follow at Stanton County Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to Fields Memorial Wesleyan Church, in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, P.O. Box 1200, Sublette, KS 67877. Condolences may be left online at WeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com.