EDWIN DALE NICKELL

Edwin Dale Nickell was born on April 1, 1957, in Clarinda IA to Horace Lee and Stella Elizabeth Nickell. He grew up on a farm outside of Gravity, IA with his five siblings. When he was younger, he had a dog named Tippy, a cat named Big Much and a horse named Pepper among other animals on the farm. Ed continued to love many different pets through-outout his life, even a raccoon he had saved named Chilly. Ed’s fun-loving personality was part of who he was even in his younger years. In high school Ed rebelled by growing his hair long and was very proud of this. Ed graduated from Bedford High School in 1975.
While in high school he met Pamela Henry and married her in June of 1977. Ed and Pam were married for 34 years and were blessed with a son, Adam Lee, in January of 1979. Through Adam, Ed gained a daughter (in-love), Lana and two grandchildren, Keenan (10) and Hattie (7) who proudly called him Papa. Time with Papa was very special and will always be cherished; Keenan and Hattie very much looked forward to Papa’s visits, waiting at the window watching for him and running out to meet him for his big hugs.
Ed married Tracy on December 13, 2014, and from that union he gained a stepson, Cayden Lambert, and a stepdaughter, Payten Lambert, whom he loved as his own. Ed and Tracy were blessed with a son, Jaxyn Dale Nickell, in August of 2014.
Ed started his working career just out of high school at the Coop in Clearfield and later started working for Longfellow Drilling, Ed worked in the drilling business for over 30 years. Ed enjoyed his work greatly and appreciated the lifelong friendships he created along the way. He was always available to help the guys out of a jam or give them guidance along the way. Ed made an impact on everyone he was around and had no problem voicing his opinion to others. He was an adviser to many and always willing to help when needed.
Ed often sat down with Cayden and his friends to give them advice or just to chat about what was going on in their lives. Much to Payten’s chagrin he would often participate in the gossip with her and her friends. Ed appreciated having a house full of kids and always invited them to the table sure to make them feel welcome.
Throughout Ed’s life he enjoyed a variety of different hobbies with those he loved. In his earlier years he enjoyed hunting and fishing and especially enjoyed teaching these to his son, Adam. He later fell in love with the game of golf which he enjoyed playing with all of his children. Ed had Jaxyn on the golf course when he was just a few weeks old and enjoyed traveling to Runnells, IA to play with Adam and Keenan. Ed and Tracy traveled many places taking on the challenge of different golf courses. He didn’t care how bad he played, he just enjoyed the time on the course with his family and friends. One of his fondest golf memories was when he played the TPC San Antonio Championship golf course just prior to the Valero Open.
Although he loved golfing and spending time with his boys, the girls in his life made his heart complete. Tracy, Lana, Payten and Hattie held a special place in his heart which he showed frequently through his endless love and hugs.
In addition to hobbies with his loved ones, Ed’s love for food was noticed by all who knew him, while he loved a great home cooked meal, he also enjoyed taking his family out to dinner. He cherished his afternoon cup of coffee with a piece of cake or a cookie to satisfy his craving.
Ed will be remembered for his big personality, he had no problem being the center of attention and everyone knew when he was present in a crowd, from his embarrassing loud cheers at ball games to his grand entrances at gatherings. His laugh was uplifting and was sure to make anyone smile.
Ed passed away, with his wife by his side, on December 12, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Stella, his sister, Doris, (Marion) and brother, Marvin. (Liz).
Ed is survived by his wife, Tracy, sons, Adam, (Lana) and Jaxyn, stepchildren, Cayden and Payten, grandchildren, Keenan and Hattie, brothers, Steven, Galen (Marcia) and Gordon (Peggy) as well as many nieces and nephews and many extended family and friends.
Services were at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at the Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, IA.
Officiating was Pastor Al Rusk.
Music was “Amazing Grace” and “Scars In Heaven”.
Casketbearers were Adam Nickell, Cayden Lambert, Gordan Nickell, Galen Nickell, Ray Pherigo and Terry Sheddrick.
Honorary pallbearers were Keenan Nickell and Jaxyn Nickell.
Burial was at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr, IA.
Memorials in his name to be decided.