Dr. Ted Allen Nickell, PhD, age 87, of Salina, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025.Born on August 3, 1938, in Dodge City, Kansas, Ted was the son of Doris Margaret (Rabourn) and Virdie Allen Nickell. He proudly served in the United States Navy, then the Army Reserves, and later earned his doctorate from Missouri University.
Throughout his career, Ted held leadership roles as Vice President of Operations for several prominent retirement housing companies. He also dedicated time to working at St. Francis Boys Home, reflecting his lifelong commitment to service and care.
Ted is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters Kimberly Cranston (Dave Blank) of Holdrege, Nebraska, and Serena Helvey of Salina, Kansas; and son Christopher Nickell (Laura) of Salina, Kansas. He leaves behind eight grandchildren—Danielle, Aaron (Sharalyn), Dylan (Brooke), Makenzie (Grant), Cade (Rhianna), Jackson (Alycia), Easton, and Aidan—and eight great-grandchildren: Greg, Dezmyn, Landin, Brenna, Addie, Bode, Axton, and Sunny.
He is also survived by two sisters, Judy Wilson (Ron) of Columbia, Missouri, and Cherie Phillips of Great Bend, Kansas.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Rodney Nickell; and his son-in-law, David Helvey.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home in Salina.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.
Condolences may be shared online at www.carlsonfh.net or through the Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home and Crematory Facebook page.