Gerald W. "Jerry" Nickels

Tahlequah Daily Press Tahlequah, Oklahoma October 3, 2011

Submitted by: Jo Aguirre

Services for Gerald W. "Jerry" Nickels will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011, at the Cookson United Methodist Church, with Rev. Rudy Freese officiating. Interment will follow at the Cookson-Proctor Cemetery in Cookson. Visitation for Jerry will be held on Monday, Oct. 3, 2011, from noon to 8 p.m., at the Reed-Culver Funeral Home Chapel.

Jerry Nickels was born on April 23, 1925, in Ochelata, the son of Earl Frank and Madeline Gail (Magee) Nickels. After graduating from school, he was inducted into the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served his country as an aviation mechanic.

Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Oklahoma where he married the love of his life, Lula Gertrude Emory on May 29, 1949 in Tulsa. This union was blessed with two daughters, Karen and Nancy.

Jerry was a graduate of the University of Tulsa, where he obtained his bachelor of arts degree in business administration. Jerry worked as a salesperson for both the Crane Company and Vinson Plumbing Supply.

It was his wonderful way with people and his drive to make the world a little better where he found it that made Jerry such a unique person. He was active in Richardson Community Theatre, bowling, water skiing, Pi Kappa Alpha, golfing, and bridge. He worked tirelessly for TACO, as president and full-time supporter, and was proud of the Cookson Community and all his friends who call the lake home. He served on the Cookson Water Board.

He always had time for his wife, daughters, and especially his grandchildren. A Christian by faith, he was a member of the Westshore Methodist Church in Richardson, Texas.

The Lord called Jerry home from his labors on Friday, Sept. 30, 2011 at Tahlequah. Jerry was 86 years old. Jerry will be greatly missed by his family and the many friends he has made throughout his lifetime.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Trudy, who passed recently in August of 2011.

Those left to cherish Jerry's memory include his daughters, Karen Winans and husband Gary of Tulsa, and Nancy Draper and husband Curt of Cookson. He leaves three brothers, Don Nickels and wife Midge of Bartlesville, Norman Nickels and wife Ida of Bartlesville, and Kenneth Nickels of Barnsdall, and one sister, Shirley Paslay of Skiatook. His legacy lives on in his four grandchildren, Bart Draeger of Tulsa, Carmen Skelton and husband Matthew of Tulsa, Marisa Draeger of Tulsa, and Nolan Draper of Norman. He also leaves one great-grand daughter, Nellis Ruby Skelton, as well as many cousins and a host of friends and loved ones.

Those wishing to express their condolences are asked to consider a donation to TACO.

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