Obituary of Donald R. Nickell

Donald Ray Nickell went to be with the Lord on August 14, 2020. He passed away at St. Francis hospital in Colorado Springs, CO at the age of 86. Donald was born September 13, 1933 in Colorado Springs to John Robert (Bob) and Elva Nickell. He will be remembered as a great husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather. Don and Janet (McKellip) Nickell were married on August 15, 1959. Their marriage of 61 years was full of love and brought them four sons; Ricky, Robbi, Gary and Shane. They built their home in Simla, CO in 1965 where Don lived until November 2019 when his declining health forced him to move into the Good Samaritan Society in Simla, Co. Don lived his life in the Simla area and graduated from the Simla schools. He served in the Navy from 1955-1957, stationed in San Diego, CA. Don worked his entire career of 45 years drilling water wells at Hamacher Well Works for his brother-in-law, T. R. (Shorty) and sister, Bonnie Hamacher. Boating, fishing, elk hunting, watching old westerns, camping and yodeling around the campfire were some of Don’s pastimes. Not only did these make Don smile but also his family and friends. He also enjoyed dancing, especially, at the chicken coop in Rush, CO. Don treasured his family, and he loved spending as much time together as possible. Don was a charter member of the Matheson Community Bible Church. He was baptized in August 1979 along with all four of his boys. He was on a weekly bowling league, attended Lodge, was a retired volunteer with the Simla Fire Department, member of the Big Sandy Water Board and even dressed as Santa Claus at the city park at Christmas time. He is survived by his wife, Janet Nickell; Sons, Ricky Nickell (Sue Grant); Robbi Nickell (Nancy Nickoloff); Gary Nickell; Shane Nickell (Tami Nickell). Four Sisters, Bonnie Hamacher, Wilma Helton, Janet Wells and Joan Bratosh. 12 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter. Don is preceded in death by his parents, John Robert (Bob) and Elva Nickell; granddaughter Jennifer Nickell; brother, Robert Lee (Bobby) Nickell and sister, Arlene Foster. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Don’s name to either the Matheson Community Bible Church, Good Samaritan Society or the Simla Fire Department. (Click the link below to access online donations). We will miss Don greatly and will cherish all the memories and life lessons he taught us all. His love will endure in us forever.