Ronald D. Nickum

With profound love, the Nickum family announces the passing of Ron Nickum after a brief, yet powerful illness.  Ronald Dennis Nickum was a loving husband; father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, cousin, ranching partner, and sincere friend to many.  He was a respected, powerful, astute and accomplished attorney for those fortunate clients lucky enough to benefit from his knowledge and expertise in the field of law, which earned him the well-deserved nickname “Siccum Nickum”.

An accomplished rancher and cattleman, Ron’s work and friendships with the fine Cowboys of the Texas Panhandle were things that he cherished and took great pride in.  His favorite moments were spent on horseback.  Whether it was working side by side on the ranch with wife Phyllis, teaching a new generation of his own young ranch hands, or working cattle with his partner, Jim, and some of the best cowboys in Texas- the time honored, Cowboy Way.

As a youth basketball coach, Ron took many teams to national competitions, even winning a few. More importantly, Ron touched the lives of young people with his contributions of time, and through basketball, taught discipline and life skills.  A gifted writer and storyteller with a flair for humor, Ron loved to share his thoughts on life, horses, cattle, friendship and Cowboy culture with many through print and social media.  His thoughtful writings brought humor, insight and emotion to paper, and he could quiet a room with a story, and those listening clung to every word.

Ron’s family is comforted in the knowledge that he is once again on horseback, working ranch pastures and reconnecting with a lifetime of friends and family on God’s green acres.  Those who knew him loved and respected him, and knew they were fortunate to have been his acquaintance, friend, or family.  If they were blessed, they were all three.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to any of Ron’s favorite organizations: The Working Ranch Cowboys Foundation, The Panhandle Safe Hayven Equine Rescue, or The Panhandle Humane Society.

Friend and pastor, Kurt Oheim, will oversee a memorial service celebrating Ron’s life to be held Friday, February 17th at 2 o’clock in afternoon at St. Paul Methodist Church in Amarillo.  Ron had a giant circle of friends, and all of them are invited to attend…we’ll make room.

Attendees and friends are invited to join the family at a reception to celebrate Ron’s life to be held after the service.  The address is 100 SE 7th (between Crush and Napolis), Amarillo.

Funeral arrangements by Schooler Funeral Home, Amarillo.