Arnold K. Nickell

NICKELL, Arnold K., age 86, of Kettering, OH, went to be home with the Lord on Friday, May 16, 2025. Arnold was born on August 20, 1938, in Helechawa, KY to the late Troy and Willa Mae Nickell. Following his education, he entered service with the US Army in 1960 and was stationed in Germany as a tank driver. Following his service Arnold returned to the US and shortly thereafter married his sweetheart, Lucille Hatton (whom he had been writing to throughout his time with the Army). He had a long career with GM where he was employed as a screw machine operator. After 37 years with GM he retired in 1998, at which point he became a career grandpa. “Pa” was always happiest when spending time with his granddaughters, whether it was playing UNO or pulling them around in their wagon. Arnold spent countless hours tinkering in his garage workshop and was the guy to know if your lawnmower broke down or your car needed an oil change. He was a huge NASCAR fan and could often be found in his favorite chair close to the TV cheering on his favorite drivers. His kind heart and willingness to give advice will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Edgar Nickell, Thurman Nickell, Robert Nickell, Walter Nickell, and Eugene Nickell; and grandson, Jeremy Norman.

Arnold is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Lucille Nickell; children, Arnold (Teresa) Nickell and Sharon (James) Nolen; granddaughters, Alyssa Schuster and Alexis Schuster; grandson, Jimmie (Heather) Norman; and extended family and friends.

A visitation will be held from 11-1pm, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd. Kettering, OH 45429, with a funeral service to follow at 1pm. Burial at Miami Valley Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Kettering https://fbckettering.churchcenter.com/giving . The family would like to thank the nurses of Kettering Medical Center and Kettering Home Healthcare for the exceptional care they provided Arnold.