Kyle Eugene Nickles, age 55, of Casey, IL formerly of Long Island, NY passed away at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, November 8, 2021 at his residence. He was born September 18, 1966 in Casey, IL the son of Wayne Eugene Martin and Belinda Lou Crouch Nickles. On August 15, 2016 he married Joann Santamaria in Long Island, NY.
Survivors include his mother, Belinda Nickles of Casey, IL; loving wife, Joann Nickles of Casey, IL; and children, Katherine D. Acharya (Chris) of Ft. Wayne, IN, Michael E. Nickles (Joanna) of Brunswick, MD, Zachary J. Monette of Long Island, NY, Kyle C. Nickles of Casey, IL, and Shayla D. Nickles of Brooklyn, NY; brother, Jeff McElyea of Decatur, IL; and two grandchildren, Mason E. Nickles and Jayden Y. Nickles. He was preceded in death by his fathers, Dale L. Nickles and Wayne E. Martin.
Kyle was a 1985 graduate of Casey High School. He studied business at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL before enlisting in the US Navy. Kyle proudly served our country in the Navy, he was rated Hospital Corpsman and ascended to rank Petty Officer 3rd Class. He served honorably in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm and was awarded The National Defense Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, and Kuwait Liberation Medal. Kyle loved his country, family, and community. He was an enthusiastic entrepreneur and started Nickles Enterprises in 2007, at its peak it was the third largest inspection company in the nation. Nickles Enterprises in turn was several businesses including Tee Shirt Connection and Santamaria’s in Casey, IL among other companies. Throughout his career he was dedicated to sharing his profits to the local community and giving to the Moriah Outreach Program.
Military rites will be conducted at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 12, 2021 at Markwell Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow with Pastor Jaret Alvis officiating. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. prior to the service at Markwell Funeral Home, 200 N. Central Ave., Casey, IL. Cremation rites will be accorded per his request. Per CDC Guidelines indoor masks and face coverings are required regardless of vaccination status in the facility. Attendees should also practice social distancing.
Memorial donations may be made to Moriah Outreach Center, 107 W. Main St., Casey, IL 62420.
Kyle shared with his family he wanted "everyone to wear purple to his funeral." In honor of Kyle the family request everyone wear purple.
To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
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