Donald R Nickles

Donald R. Nickles age 76, of Lima passed away surrounded by his family 10:03 p.m., Oct. 31, 2016 at his residence. He was born Dec. 4, 1939 in Mousie, KY to the late Hubert and Lucy Wicker Nickles. He married Kathy A. Gossard Jan. 17, 1959 and she survives in Lima.
Don’s whole life was focused around racing and he passed down that love to his children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews. His greatest passion was sprint car racing with his brothers. His racing career began in 1959 when Don and his brothers built their first racecar from a 31 Chevy. This started the number 31 legacy throughout the family. Don & Harold owned and operated Nickles Bros. Racing and NBC Steering & Pumps shipping units worldwide. But his greatest love was for his wife of 57 years, his children, brothers, sisters and his racing family.
Additional survivors include 5 children: Karen (Mark) Knoch, Diana (Greg) Fowler, Cindy (Jim) Cochran, Saundra (Rob) Trent and Donald (Rhonda Chambers) Nickles; 9 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 9 siblings: Hillard (Haley) Nickles, Harold (Judy) Nickles, Paul (Elouise) Nickles, Bethel (Judy) Nickles, Douglas (Shelia) Nickles, Bartee Nickles, Dallie (Lowell) Thomas, Goldie (Joe) Davis and Mary Lou (Larry) Rapp.
Don was preceded in death by 2 brothers: Ralph and James Nickles and a sister: Judy Belle Nickles.
The family will receive friends 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4 at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville and one hour prior to services Saturday.
The funeral will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday Nov. 5 at the funeral home with Pastor Terry Brock, officiating. Burial will follow at Salem Cemetery, Westminster.
Memorial contributions may be given to St. Rita’s Hospice or the Injured Drivers Fund.