John Glen Nikkel was born January 8, 1935 in Corn, Oklahoma to a Mennonite farming family, the third of three children. Farming was the chosen path for all his relatives, and education beyond the eighth grade was not encouraged, but John discovered a love of learning that wouldn't let go. Although his parents split when he was eight years old, he found refuge at the local library, where the librarian took him under her wing.

He attended high school in nearby Dalhart, Texas where two things would change his life: football and an auburn-haired beauty, Carole Dominick. Football allowed him to go to college, his beloved TCU, and the beauty would eventually provide him with the stability of a home that had proved elusive in childhood. They married January 24, 1957 and had two children, Robert and Melody.

Simply put, John loved life. He loved playing football and the dear teammates that would play in two Cotton Bowls together. He loved his chosen field, geology, which he put to use as he began his career in 1958 with Standard Oil (Amoco). He loved his colleagues, many of whom became dear friends. He loved the Lord and the many churches they attended over the years through many moves. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren, whom he delighted in surprising with wonderful family adventures.

John and Carole settled in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1976, where John took a position with Cotton Petroleum Corporation as vice president. He eventually became president of Unit Drilling and Exploration and finally co-founded his own company Nike Exploration, where he continued to work for the remainder of his life. He especially loved Nike because he officed with his son, grandson and dear friends.

John and Carole found their way to Southern Hills Baptist Church over thirty years ago, where John served as deacon, Sunday School teacher, and in a variety of committee positions. John treasured the many deep friendships there, especially in their Sunday School class.

John had a deep love for the Tulsa community as well. He recognized the community support from his own small town that allowed him to go to college, and thus he founded the Nikkel Family Foundation to help other under-resourced students pursue education by opening doors through financial support. John was a generous man and loved helping others in big and small ways.

He loved fishing and took many trips far and wide in pursuit of this passion. He also loved the lake where boating became a favorite family activity for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Carole, his son, Robert Nikkel, his daughter-in-law, Robin; grandson, Matthew Nikkel (married to Sara), great-grandsons, Emmett and Dorian; grandson Bradley (married to Erin), great-grandsons, Logan and Lincoln; granddaughter Rebecca Turney (married to Stephen), great-grandsons, Everett and Beau; and his daughter, Melody McSparran and son-in-law, Lee; granddaughter, Laura Thomas (married to Jeremy),great-grandsons James and Luke, and great-granddaughter, Elizabeth; grandson, John McSparran (married to Mary), great-grandson expected in May; and granddaughter Kelly Daigle (married to John), great-grandson, Benjamin and great-granddaughters Zoe and Lucy.

He is preceded in death by his parents John D. Nikkel and Stella Howell; his brother Paul Nikkel and his sister, Gladys Zulauf.

A funeral is scheduled for Friday, April 10 at 11:00 a.m. at Southern Hills Baptist Church, 5590 S. Lewis Ave.

Memorial Donations may be sent to The Nikkel Family Foundation (9849 Walmer St., Overland Park, KS 66212) or to Crossover Preparatory Academy, Tulsa.