Eldon & Carol Nickel

Our beloved parents, Eldon Ray Nickel and Carol Jean Nickel departed this life on October 24, 2026 within their home that they built together in the McWillie area. Eldon was 88 years old and Carol was 83.

Eldon and Carol first met at his baseball games and the attraction began. There were several dates at the skating rink in Cleo Springs. They were married on her birthday May 22, 1960 in the Brethren Church at McWillie. (so Eldon would remember!) Eldon was a home builder in the northwest Oklahoma area while Carol remained by his side as a homemaker. Eldon and Carol were faithful avid baseball fans and donated many years of their time to the Helena Summer Baseball program where he spent his time teaching and coaching while mom kept the stats and the best concession stand around. Our family spent many of evenings around the piano practicing our instruments and singing. Eldon played any guitar that he could get hands on. As a family, we traveled to numerous rest homes and churches in the area to sing. Music was very important.

Eldon and Carol were members of the First Baptist Church in Helena where he taught Sunday School and mom always taught Bible School. They then attended the Helena Methodist Church for several years before returning to the Fairview MBC with some of his family members.

Eldon enjoyed raising and being around horses. He took his horses to many shows where he won several trophies and ribbons. He was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association. He also enjoyed fishing at his pond as well as fishing with sons and grandsons.

Carol enjoyed the outdoors and took pride in gardening along with tending to all her flowers. The garden was a must every year!

Together they never missed an occasion to go and watch their children play sports – whether it was on the ball field, track or in the gym, they were there. Some of us children have had the opportunity to meet or speak with several of mom’s classmates. They have shared with us how kind, talented and selfless she was (when she even allowed classmates to see her answers in order to help them pass their classes). Also shared with us is that mom played basketball and dad played baseball, basketball and ran track. No wonder all the kids in the family succeeded in sports.

Eldon and Carol had many grandkids and great grandkids and lit up every time they came to the farm. Carol was one of the best cooks and bakers around. Christmas pepper nuts as well as sugar cookies were always made in her kitchen with the granddaughters. The recipe still resides with all the women in the family. While mom was always busy around the home……. Dad was always on the move doing something. If the truth were told – there was not a road that has not been traveled by Eldon in order to see and speak with all his buddies at every single Mini Mart in Northwest Oklahoma. There were times when Carol would call her kids to help find him and make sure all was OK.

One of Carols favorite things in her life were her grandkids. If you have ever entered their home, you would be able to tell this by all of the photos on every wall in every room. One room was dedicated to all the wedding pictures of kids and grandkids. While another room was especially for the grands and great grands. She also required a playroom for any child that came over. No one was a stranger in her home. That was our mother.

I guess it is not easy to touch on all aspects of the lives of our parents, but we know without a doubt that nothing could keep them from heaven. They are there – together forever and that brings a peace beyond any understanding in our hearts.

Psalms 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble or need.

Reading this verse helps us to know that God is ever present in any time or trouble. He is in the middle of the difficulty. Knowing that mom had her Bible with her was their shield and comfort. We believe in Jesus Christ and the saving power that he has given each and everyone. That was an ever-present understanding in their household.

We love you mom and dad and we cannot wait to see you again someday!

Russ, Robin, Randy, Rita, Reggy and Ron

Eldon Ray Nickel was preceded in death by his father, Pete Nickel; mother, Suzanna (Susie) (Wichert) Nickel; sisters, LaVerne (Nickel) Fast and Marjorie (Nickel) Steinberg Brewton; brothers, Benny Nickel, Herb Nickel and Alfred Nickel.

Carol Jean (McNickle) Nickel was preceded in death by her father, Gerald McNickle; mother, Doris (Bocock) McNickle; brothers, James K. McNickle and Derral E. McNickle; sisters, Ruth M. McNickle and Joyce L. McNickle and their grandson, Jacob Ray Nickel

Eldon and Carol are survived by his sister, Ruby Becker; his brother, Dean Nickel; their children, Russell Nickel and wife, Ginger of McWillie area, Robin Berg and husband, Charlie of McWillie area, Randy Nickel of Nescatunga, Rita Ramy and husband, Mark of Oklahoma City, Reggy Nickel and wife, Danya of McWillie area and Ronnie Nickel of McWillie area; grandchildren, Rachael Hutchison and husband, Josh of McWillie area, Crystal Starbuck and husband, Grayson of Piedmont, Zach Berg and wife, Riki of McWillie area, Hannah Jo Thompson and husband, Lawson of Stillwater, Jared Nickel and wife, Lyric of Edmond, Jamie Steffy and husband, Justin of Prague, Jessica Buttry and husband, Brandon of Oklahoma City, Katlin Young and husband, Justin of Bucklin, Kansas, Hayden Nickel, Reed Nickel and wife, Hannah, Oakleigh Nickel, Gentrye Nickel, Easton Nickel and Amistye Nickel; great-grandchildren, Rylee and Brax Hutchison, Gatlin and Gridley Starbuck, Reece and Noah Berg, Finn and Max Thompson, Silas Ray Nickel, Charlie Steffy, Khloe Buttry, Emilia Young and Jovi and Rawley Nickel.

Memorial service for Eldon and Carol Nickel will be Sunday, November 15, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Timberlake High School Auditorium. Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home Inc. of Helena.

Memorials may be made to The Jacob Nickel Memorial Scholarship or Aline Fire Department or Helena Fire Department through the funeral home.