Thomas Nickel

Thomas LeRoy Nickel, was born June 22, 1953 in Wichita, KS to Lawrence and Barbara Nickel. He entered eternal life on September 6, 2024 at his home in Augusta, KS at the age of 71. Tom was a U.S. Navy Veteran. He joined right after high school graduation and served from 1971 – 1977 as an Engineman 2nd Class – E5, returning home to raise his family. Tom often said that he would join again in a heartbeat if the Navy would take him! He was very patriotic and knew how important the armed forces were to the United States and thanked everyone serving in the military. Tom was a selfless father, grandfather and uncle. He was always at activities, encouraging them to work hard at what their passions were. He enjoyed fishing, camping and hunting with family and friends. Even when his health started failing him, he still talked a big talk about getting out there! Another passion was his love for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football and KU football and basketball. Tom had so many passions in life, but he always put his family and friends first. He was known as dad and grandpa to many of our sons’ friends! Tom always looked forward to having company and when he knew that the family was getting together, that’s all he would talk about. It didn’t matter if he saw you yesterday or 2 years ago, you were always welcome and he would talk with you as if time hadn’t passed. Tom always said what he thought, but he would do it in a way as to not be rude (well, most of the time), but he always got his way by the end. He was stubborn, but only because he knew exactly what he wanted and more times than not, he was right. Tom is survived by wife, Barbara, sons Steven and Jason Nickel, brothers Don (Brenda), Chris and Ron (Donna), mother-in-law Carman Carpenter, step-mom Sheila Davis-Nickel, brother-in-law Gilbert Delgado, grandchildren Zane (Cheyenne), Zarah, Thomas, Scott and Nicci, great-grandchildren Daisy, Delilah, Zaiven, Zuriel and Zailas, and many nieces and nephews and loving friends. He was preceded in death by father and mother, Lawrence and Barbara, sister, Rhonda Delgado and grandson Brayden. Visitation at 10:30 a.m., Celebration of Life service at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 14th at Hillside Funeral Home West, 2929 West 13th St., Wichita KS.

The family of Tom Nickel wish to express our sincere thanks for your comforting presence during our time of bereavement.

The Family