LaVern Nickel

Published courtesy of the Cordell Beacon

Wednesday, March 03, 2005

© Cordell Beacon

LaVern Nickel was born September 21, 1932 to C.E. and Katherine (Baergen) Nickel at Corn, Oklahoma and was raised on the family farm, located northwest of Corn, Oklahoma. In August 1938, LaVern began his education at OK School where he attended through third grade. Following his third grade year, OK School was closed and LaVern transferred to Corn Schools. Upon completion of the tenth grade LaVern enrolled at Oklahoma Bible Academy, a private Christian High School, in Meno, Oklahoma, graduating in 1950.

After graduating from high school, LaVern served his country in the U.S. Army. Following his term in the army, LaVern and Donna were wed on June 28, 1955 in a double wedding ceremony, establishing a home northwest of Corn, where they lived and continued to farm for almost 50 years. They were blessed with three children, a son Jeff, a daughter Sonya and son Tim. LaVern shared his love for God, his family, and the land by providing a “home away from home” for many nephews, nieces and friends of the family.

LaVern took great pride in his children's education, and was honored to serve tow terms on the Washita Heights Board of Education.

LaVerne and Donna were members of the Herold Mennonite Church, Cordell, Oklahoma, where he served as youth sponsor, Sunday School teacher and member of various committees. He also served as a trustee and deacon. LaVern truly loved his church family and enjoyed sharing his faith with friends and family members.

LaVern provided for his family, leaving a legacy of memories through his strong will, integrity and professional standards. He was a cherished husband, loving father and sincere friend for whom we truly thank God.

LaVern passed away, February 24, 2005 at Jackson County Hospital, Altus, Oklahoma. He is survived by his wife, Donna Lohrenz Nickel; son Jeff and wife Lisa Nickel of Weatherford; daughter Sonya Flaming and husband Jim Flaming of Weatherford; son Tim and wife Arlene Nickel of Weatherford; grandchildren, Breawna Nickel, Bethanie Nickel and Bryce Nickel; brothers Elmer Nickel and wife Vera of Eufala, Oklahoma; Glen Nickel and wife Carolina of Bernardsville, New Jersey; Don Nickel and wife Mary of Oklahoma City; Reverend Richard Nickel and wife Elvera of Rapid City, South Dakota and sister Viola Penner and husband, Wilbur of Oklahoma City.

He was preceded in death by parents C.E. and Katherine Nickel.

Services were held on Sunday, February 27, 2005 at 2:30 p.m. at Herold Mennonite Church. Services were under the direction of Jack Lofitss Funeral Home, Cordell, Oklahoma.