Rex Eugene Nickel, 67, died May 8, 2014, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born May 5, 1947, in McPherson, to Arthur Milford and Violet Lucille (Frisbie) Nickel. Rex graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1965. He served in the United States Army from 1966-1968.

Rex retired from Eaton Corporation as CNC Machinist in gear pumps. He belonged to the Machinists Union Local IAM #1992, and was a very strong Union leader.

Survivors include: lifelong companion, Beverly Main, Hutchinson; son, Barry Nickel, Derby; stepsons, Bobby Minor, Hutchinson, Eric Main and wife Patrica, Hutchinson; stepdaughter, Kimberly Ropp and husband Bruce, Wichita; brother, Gary Nickel, Texas; sister, Sharon Queen, Hutchinson; niece, Stephanie Queen, Hutchinson; six grandchildren, Haylee and Heath Nickel, Derby; Kaitlyn, Adrik, and Keeley Ropp, all of Wichita and Ashley Main, Hutchinson; and great-granddaughter, Halsten Ropp, Wichita.

Rex was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral service will be 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, 2014, at Elliott Chapel with Pastor Matt Stafford officiating. Burial will be in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum, Hutchinson, with military honors conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, with the family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary. Memorials may be made to the Cancer Council of Reno County or the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.