Gerald Wayne Nickell

Gerald Wayne Nickell, 95, of Johnson, Kansas, passed away on March 9, 2026, at the Stanton County Long Term Care Unit.

Born on April 20, 1930, in Allen, Oklahoma, to Herbert Clyde “H.C.” Nickell and Robbie Lee (Cox) Nickell, Gerald moved as a young man to Johnson, Kansas. There he began working for a local farmer and soon met Elizabeth Jane “Betty” Merrill during one of his first visits to Fields Memorial Wesleyan Church. Their meeting blossomed into a lifelong partnership rooted in faith, love, and family. Together they raised three children: Joyce, Wayne, and Harold.

A hardworking and skilled man, Gerald spent many years with the Stanton County Road and Bridge Department, operating heavy equipment and maintaining the county’s roads. He later founded Nickell Construction, specializing in dirt work and heavy equipment operations, before returning to the county as a supervisor until his retirement. Even after retiring, he remained active in his community, driving the activities bus for the local school district for many years and helping neighbors in countless ways—cutting trees for those in need and building wheelchair ramps for people facing illness. Gerald lived his faith quietly but powerfully, serving as a faithful member of Fields Memorial Wesleyan Church for more than 75 years and as Sunday School Superintendent for over 40 years. In recognition of their lifelong dedication, he and Betty were honored as Pioneers of the Year during Johnson’s annual Pioneer Day celebration.

Gerald had a warm and welcoming spirit. He never knew a stranger and took great joy in time spent with family, especially playing dominoes with Betty and their children. Just two evenings before his passing, he shared one final game with his son Wayne and daughter Joyce, filled with laughter and stories.

He is survived by his children, Joyce Meyer of Perryton, Texas, and Wayne Nickell of West Chicago, Illinois; grandchildren Chad Nickell and wife Angy of Ulysses, Kansas, Chase Nickell and wife Lettie of Johnson, Kansas, Alisha Grover and husband Mitch of Johnson, Kansas, and Larin Nickell of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin; great-grandchildren Lauren Grover, Ryker Nickell, Kaiser Nickell, Remington Grover, Lia Lee Nickell, and Jax Jay Nickell; sister Ruby Dean Walker of Arlington, Texas; daughter-in-law Sheryl Fiss and husband Greg of Johnson, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Nickell; son, Harold Nickell; son-in-law, Cecil Meyer, Jr.; his brothers and sisters; and his parents.