Leroy A. &Quot;Nick&Quot; Nickels

LeRoy died Thursday, September 26, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family.

Leroy A. "Nick" Nickels was born to Roy Lee and Stella (Richardson) Nickels on October 14, 1934 in York County, Nebraska. Nick married G. Annette Niebur on August 8, 1954 in Bradshaw, NE. They moved to York to begin their lives together. Nick wore many hats in his lifetime. In York it could have been from truck driver, salesman or assistant manager of York Mill & Elevator, or when he was a member and office holder in the York Jaycees.

Moving to Columbus in 1967, he managed the Ralston Purina Feed Plant, later becoming manager and part owner of Columbus Feed Mill. Moving back to York, he became part owner and manager of the Double Nickel Campground & Restaurant at Waco. There he renewed old friendships and made many new ones. Camp Luther was truly his favorite employment. Getting back to nature and being around the young people helped him to renew his faith. He made more friends while working and managing a convenience store in Columbus. Again there were lasting friendships made.

The most important hat that he wore was that of husband to Annette, father to daughters Brenda Staley, Barbara Cook and Lori (Rick) Wendt and son Roy Nickels. He was a grandfather to 8 grandsons, 2 granddaughters and one great granddaughter. He is also survived by his sister Nora Thompson, brother Melvin Dean (Connie) Nickels and brother-in-law Robert Rathjen.

Those that went before him were his parents, brother Dale Nickels, sister Helen (Cookie) Rathjen and son-in-law Max Staley.

Nick never met a person he didn't like and who he couldn't learn something from. What hat was he wearing when you met him?

Memorials may be directed to St. Judes Children's Hospital.