Patton Lacy Nickell, Jr., 82, of Buckhannon, died Wednesday, September 21, 2011, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, with family and friends nearby. Pat was born February 15, 1929 in Ronceverte, WV, the son of the late Patton Lacy and Isabelle Jackson Nickell. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ellen Roush Nickell. Also surviving are two sons, Van and his wife Karen Nickell of Sewickley, PA and Wesley Nickell of Wheeling, WV; a daughter, Jane Ellen Nickell of Meadville, PA; three grandchildren, Christopher Nickell of Sewickley, PA, Elizabeth Nickell and Jacob Nickell both of Wheeling, WV; a sister, Nancy Looney of Bluefield, WV and several nieces and nephews. Pat was a graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College and held a master’s degree from Marshall University. He worked for West Virginia Wesleyan College as Registrar, as Vice President for Administration, and as Director of Church Relations, retiring from that position in 1986. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Buckhannon, serving God faithfully while providing church leadership in a number of capacities. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force serving during the Korean War. He was very active in the community as local leader for the American Cancer Society, a Scoutmaster and a read aloud volunteer at the Buckhannon Academy Elementary School, among other community activities. Pat will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his loyalty to his friends, his keen sense of humor and his generosity. The family will receive friends at Poling St. Clair Funeral Home Friday, September 23 from 5:00-8:00 pm. A memorial service will be held 3 pm Saturday, September 24 at 3:00 at the First United Methodist Church in Buckhannon where the family will receive friends from 2-3 pm, with the Rev. Steven Meadows and Rev. Ronald M. McCauley officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts to the Roush Nickell Scholarship Fund at West Virginia Wesleyan College. Checks payable to WVWC can be mailed to WVWC Office of Advancement, 59 College Ave., Buckhannon, WV 26201 with a note designating memorial gift for Patton Nickell. Poling-st. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
