Terrance (Terry) L. Nickell, 87, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his six children, on March 18, 2025, at 5:06 a.m. Terry was born in Nebraska and raised in Arkansas and Washington State.
A dedicated and hardworking man, Terry spent over 40 years contributing to the aerospace industry at The Boeing Company. Beyond his career, he was known for his mechanical skills—fixing cars, building televisions, and offering his help to anyone in need.
Terry cherished long drives with his beloved wife, Marlene, and created countless memories through camping and hiking adventures with his children. Their love for travel took them on many cross-country summer trips to visit family, fostering a deep bond of togetherness.
Terry is survived by his sister, Yvonne; his brothers, Jim (Lynn) and Darrell (Dixie); his children: son Jonathan, daughters Clara (Jay), Kristina (Brent), Jeannie (Jim), son Mark (Crissea), and daughter Jennifer (Troy); sixteen grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Marlene Joy Nickell, with whom he shared nearly 60 years of marriage.
A man of unwavering faith, Terry lived his life in dedication to God. He served selflessly as a deacon of his church and generously opened his home to all, providing warmth, hospitality, and support. His love for his family was evident in the joyful and creative ways he played with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—designing rope swings, zip lines, and riding carts to bring laughter and joy to their lives.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Riverside Free Will Baptist Church. A viewing will take place at 10:30 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. A reception will be held after the service, with a graveside ceremony at Greenwood Cemetery in Renton, WA, at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Riverside Free Will Baptist Church
14024 Stewart Rd SE
Sumner, WA 98390
in honor of Terry’s lifelong dedication and love for his church.
"He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" — Micah 6:8 (NKJV)
