Merle Elmer Nickerson Jr., lovingly known as “Fat Boy”, 86, passed away, Thursday, April 16.
He was born August 3, 1939, in Las Animas, Colo., to Merle Elmer and Vivian Lorraine (Zimmerman) Nickerson.
Merle was a farmer his entire life. Everything he did was associated with farming and his appreciation for the land he tended to. Junior was active in many organizations including Grant County 4-H, Sugar Beet Growers Association, Ulysses Gun Club, Farm Service Agency and Soil Conversation Boards.
He married Jessie Randles, August 9, 1958, in Ulysses.
Merle enjoyed hunting deer, going to auctions and spending many mornings having coffee with friends at Sullivan Inc. and John Deere. He was a builder of many things. He welded many things from horseshoes, puzzles, swings, wreaths, stands and shelves.
Merle is survived by his wife, Jessie; daughters: Merlene and husband, Garry Spencer, and Marlene and husband, Steve Johnson, all of Ulysses; grandchildren: Krystal and husband, John Morlock, James Courtney and wife, Patricia Watson, Levi and wife, Rachel Spencer, Mandy and husband, Bryce Moral and five great- grandchildren: Rebecca, Ian, Liam, Luke and Logan.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and grandsons: Nathan Spencer and Colby Spencer.
Graveside service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, April 20, at the Ulysses Cemetery with Keric Sullivan presiding.
Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, April 19, at Garnand Funeral Home.
Memorials may be given to Grant County 4-H in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave., Ulysses, Kansas 67880.
Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.
