Published: November 23, 2009 11:39 pm         

Richard E. Nickels

HILLSDALE — Richard E. Nickels, 80, of Hillsdale, died at 1:12 a.m. Monday, Nov. 23, 2009, at Union Hospital in Terre Haute. He was born May 6, 1929, in Newport, to Paul E. Nickels and Vera Webb-Nickels. He was a retired farmer and also retired from Hercules Inc. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Jean Shaubi-Nickels, on Aug. 23, 1995; his parents; and an infant son, Richard Lee Nickles.

Survivors include two daughters, Nancy Contri and husband Bob, and Debbie Greeves and husband Dave, all of Hillsdale; three grandsons, Chad Richard Contri and wife Sarah of Hillsdale, Chase Robert Contri of Terre Haute, and Cole Ryan Contri of Chicago; one sister, Pat Harden and husband Raymond of Brownsburg; sisters-in-law: JoAnn Nickels and husband Lowell, and Rose Favali, all of Clinton; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was a past member of Indiana Draft Pony Association, was known in the community for sharing his draft pony hitch for local parades, and was two time Indiana State Fair Champion for Two Draft Pony Hitch. He was a 1947 graduate of Newport High School.

Services are 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009, at Giovanini Funeral Home, 408 Vine St., in Clinton, with Pastor Donald Graham officiating. Burial is in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Clinton. Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, 2009, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to Dana United Methodist Church, Dana Volunteer Fire Department, or Hospice of the Wabash Valley.