Carol McNickle, son of Fred and Birdie Mae Hartnett McNickle, was born May 16, 1933 on the family farm north of Zenith, Kansas. He traveled to grade school at “Red Top School” with his neighbors via horse and carriage and graduated from Stafford High School in 1951. He was a lifetime member of the Zenith Church where he served and attended faithfully.
Carol began learning woodworking skills in high school and in his life became known as a master woodworker specializing in everything from frames to furniture. His scroll saw pieces can be found in homes across the United States and beyond. Attention to detail, problem solving and creativity were attributes he brought to his craft.
While studying Industrial Arts at Pittsburg State University, he met and married on April 3, 1953 his wife of 68 years, Shirley Miller McNickle. Following the death of his father, Carol and Shirley made their home in Zenith where Carol became a full-time farmer. They welcomed to the family three children, Tim, Julie and Denise. The “farm” has held a special place in the hearts of five generations.
Carol’s service to his country, church and community was extensive. He served in the United States Army Reserves for eight years; was active in the Boy Scouts; Corn Valley 4-H Club Project Leader; and the Zenith Volunteer Fire Department. Board positions included Stafford Hospital for 12 years, SHS Alumni, Fairview Township, Optimist Club, Friends of Quivira Wildlife Refuge, Zenith Coop and Tri-County Mental Health. Carol and Shirley enjoyed many years and friendships as members of “The Card Club.”
Carol spent many hours at the table keeping scorebooks for the Stafford High School Girls Basketball team. He always commented the job “kept him out of trouble” during the games. He enjoyed lake times, boating with the family and friends at Stafford Lake, Wilson, Cedar Bluff, Cheney and others. The “Bus”, a school bus he turned into a luxury camper, transported many people to lakes, sporting events and other outings.
Missing him, but cherishing many memories are Carol’s wife, Shirley, their children Tim and Vicki McNickle of Olathe, KS; Julie McNickle of Carbondale, KS; and Denise and Rick Bullock of Leawood, KS. Six grandchildren have benefited from the warmth, sense of humor and love of their Grandpa Mac, including Kari McNickle and John Briscoe, Stockton, CA; Taylor Suiter and Shing Yu, Atlanta, GA; Emma and Jared Goad, Stafford, KS; Kelsey McNickle and Jeff Anderson, Oakland, CA; Rachel and Henry DePew, Prairie Village, KS; Bradley Bullock and Clara Bray, Dallas, TX. Carol was anxiously awaiting the arrival in June of his first great grandchild, Watson Layne Robert Goad and the upcoming marriages of several grandchildren. These events now have a special angel watching over them.
Welcoming Carol to his heavenly home were his parents; infant son, Bruce Duane McNickle; sister and brother-in-law Bill and Frieda McNickle Shuler, and a host of family members and friends.
Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 28 at Minnis Chapel, Stafford. Burial will be at Stafford Cemetery. Visitation will be 1-7 p.m. Thursday at the chapel with family receiving friends from 5-7. Memorials may be sent to the Zenith Church or Stafford Educational Foundation in care of the chapel.
“What things are you sowing into your life? Are you planting seeds of life? God is a just God and while His grace is abundant, His word also warns us that our actions still matter. Be a person who grows godly things around them and plants good seeds with your life.” (based on Galatians 6:7)