Jack Nickels

Jackie Leon Nickels, passed away May 29, 2009 at St. John’s Breech Hospital, Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of 71 years, 10 months and 2 days. Jack was born July 27, 1937 in Pulaski County, Missouri. He was one of five sons born to the union of the late Albert Lee and Edna (Coogan) Nickels. Jack spent his early childhood years in the Big Piney area where he attended school through the eighth grade. The family then moved to Richland where he graduated from high school in 1954. On September 28, 1956, Jack married Jacqueline Nickels, and to this union two daughters were born: Sheree and Cathy Lynn. Jacqueline preceded Jack in death on January 1, 1990, and their daughter, Cathy Lynn Leuthen on August 5, 2002. Jack married Charlotte Lunette (Doyle) Mathis on May 18, 1991 in St. Robert. His family then grew to include Charlotte’s children, Tracey and Brian. After graduating high school, Jack went to work at the Waynesville Optical Company, where he worked as an optician many years. Most of his career was spent working for Dr. Carl Larson and later for Dr. Jerry Brown. Jack had a great passion for, and took great pride in his work. He had a special gift working with children. Jack loved the outdoors. He enjoyed camping and fishing on the Gasconade River, and running the Nickels Hunting Camp. Jack will be sadly missed by his wife: Charlotte; three children: Sheree Kelley (Jim), of Waynesville, Tracey Jefferson (Kenneth) of Wentzville, and Brian Mathis of Atlanta, Georgia; four brothers: Ronald Nickels (Christy) and Donald Nickels (Linda) of Moscow, Idaho, Michael Nickels (Nina) of Nebo, and Marvin Nickels (Leslie) of Lansing, Kansas; nine grandchildren: Chris Snelling (Melinda) and Jacob Kelley all of Florrisant, MO, Shanna Register (Dwayne) of Lexington, Sabrina Ross and Jordan Kelley of Waynesville, Joseph Kelley of Richland, Sarah Leuthen of Portland, Oregon and Bryce and Avery Jefferson both of Wentzville; five great grandchildren: Alayna, Lauryn, Kylie, Caleb and Caden; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, his wife: Jacqueline and his daughter: Cathy Leuthen, Jack was also preceded in death by a grandson: Jacob Ferral Leuthen. Funeral services were held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 3, 2009 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert with Rev. Danny Graves officiating. Soloist Becky Lercher sang “Precious Memories”, “Softly and Tenderly” and “Suppertime”. The song “Go Rest High on that Mountain” was played. Serving as escorts were Shawn Nickels, Mike Nickels, Jr., Todd Carmon, Earl Arnold, Dr. Jerry Brown and Joe Garner. Serving as honorary escorts were Gary Nickels, J.B. Simmons and Boone Doyle. Burial followed in the Idumea Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jack Nickels to the Idumea Cemetery Fund and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory.

Jack Nickels

July 27, 1937 - May 29, 2009