Clark Nickles, Sr.
July 21, 1943 - April 25, 2025
Robert “Clark” Nickles passed peacefully from this life on April 25, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. An easy friend, he has been described in the wake of his passing as “caring, a sweet man, great, special, first class, kind, gentle, fun, generous.” He was all these things and more.
Visitation with the family will take place at Trout Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 6-7:30pm. Funeral Service will be Thursday, 10:00 am at the First United Methodist Church, followed by a private family graveside service. Pallbearers will be Clark’s grandsons.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Clark’s memory to Marland’s Place (marlandsplace.com), Community Health Foundation (chfkayco.com), Hospice of North Central Oklahoma (hospiceofnorthcentraloklahoma.org), The Opportunity Center (opcenterok.org) or the charity of your choice.
Clark was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma, on July 21, 1943, the first child of Robert Clair “Bob” Nickles and Coeweene Bryan Nickles. Clark grew up as the oldest of five; he was a true big brother to his sister and the three younger boys, teaching them about life and also some shenanigans. He attended St. Mary’s School and then Ponca City High School, where he graduated with the Class of 1961. He enjoyed hunting with his father and was known as a loyal friend. Clark loved a good laugh, a good joke and the occasional prank - these traits followed him throughout his life. It was not unusual for him to shed tears in the course of his laughter.
Clark went on to Oklahoma State University where he began a legacy; more than 30 Nickles family members have since attended OSU, with two more starting this fall. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Order fraternity. Midway through college, Clark met Susan English and they married the following year. Following his graduation in 1966, Clark and Susan moved to Ponca City where he began a more than 30 year career with Nickles Machine Corporation, a business founded by his grandfather. Clark worked his way up in the company to eventually serve as President. Clark and Susan became parents to three children; they enjoyed life in Ponca City, golf and traveling. Clark was passionate about The Cherokee Strip Golf Classic and served as “Chief” for several years, as well as being a long-time player; finally winning in 2016. He had many fond memories of the tournament and working on behalf of The Opportunity Center.
A few years after Susan’s death in 2005, Clark met Sue Lunsford and the two developed a unique and loving relationship. Clark and Sue had many great adventures during the past 12 years, including visiting wonderful destinations, ski trips with family, Ponca City activities and they were regulars at the Ponca City Country Club TGIF.
Clark always selected terrific cards for birthdays and other occasions. Most often, they were humorous and it was easy to envision him at the store, having a good laugh when he found the perfect card. To his grandchildren, he always signed a simple sentiment: LUV YA, Gramps.
More than anything, Clark loved his family and spending time with them. He was overjoyed last August when he was promoted to Great-Grandfather after many years of polite suggestion on his part. He was always happy for the success of others and very proud of his family. He tried to be present for every special occasion and holiday, which typically involved him travelling great distances. He was always ready to try new things, even if it scared him - when parasailing on a family trip a few years ago, he famously said “I’d rather die doing this than in a nursing home someday!” For his 80th birthday, his immediate family and his siblings made a trip to Colorado which included white water rafting; when they came to a swimming area, Clark was the first one out of the boat and into the water. A few months ago, he and Sue made a trip to enjoy a hot air balloon ride. He lived life fully.
Clark was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jim Nickles and Doug Nickles, wife Susan Nickles, daughter-in-law Carrie Nickles and grandson Steven Nickles.
He is survived by: his companion, Sue Lunsford; sons, Bob Nickles & wife Elizabeth of Hockley, Texas, and Patrick Nickles & wife Yulla of Whitewood, South Dakota; daughter, Katy Nickles Walters & husband Jamie of Jackson Township, Ohio; grandchildren, Madeleine Nickles of Austin, Texas, Charlotte Nickles and Michael Nickles & wife Caitlin of Cypress, Texas, Bridgette Nickles and Mitchell Nickles of Houston, Texas, Max Nickles, John Nickles, Bode Nickles, and Charlie Nickles of Whitewood, South Dakota, Zoë Walters of Palm Bay, Florida, Nash Walters of Jackson Township, Ohio, and a Great-Grandson, Noah Nickles of Cypress, Texas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Sue’s family also considered Clark as part of their own.
He lived life well and will be greatly missed. We luv ya, Gramps.
Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W. Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK, 74601.
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