Howard Joseph Nicklow, age 95, entered life with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 5, 2024, two days after his 73rd wedding anniversary which he shared with his loving wife, Etta (Kreger) Nicklow, who survives him.
Howard was born on August 4th, 1928, the oldest of seven children born to Nannie and Orion Nicklow who owned a large farm in Markleton, PA. Though Howard loved farming, his mother, a school teacher, valued education and encouraged Howard to go to college, which he did, earning both a bachelor's and a master's degree in Vocational Agriculture from Penn State University.
Howard joined the Army National Guard in 1948 to help pay for college, and two years later was drafted for service in the Korean War. He became Sergeant Nicklow during his time in the Army and many of his comrades called him "Nick" for short. On June 3rd, 1951, in the middle of his Army service, he married his one and only love, Etta Leora Kreger, who he met at a church outing. Soon after their wedding, Howard left for an assignment in Germany but made sure to call his bride every week, "even though it was very expensive," he would say.
After his Army service ended, Howard taught Agriculture and led Future Farmers of America (FFA) for more than 35 years at Meyersdale Area High School. He and Etta created a beautiful family and legacy of 5 children, Kaye (Dave) Baker, Jill (Kyle) Alexander, Perry (Connie) Nicklow, Greta (John) Ansell, and Paula (Aaron) Cook. Howard and Etta are also blessed to be grandparents to 16 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren.
Howard had a great love for gardening and set up a greenhouse for his students to be able to experience the joy of planting and watching things grow. He also planted a large garden at his home each year until recently, and he and Etta enjoyed many years of canning and freezing their harvests.
Howard also had a great love for Jesus Christ and centered his life around Jesus and service to the church. Howard served several terms on church boards and taught many Sunday School classes.
Survived by sister Shirley (George) Hoffman of Sipesville, PA, sister CoraLee (Paul) Tressler of Markleton, PA. Preceded in death by brother Everett (Mary) Nicklow of Berlin, PA, sister Louise (Clarence) Kreger of Markleton, PA, brother Clark (Mary) Nicklow of Boston, MA, brother Dale (Shirley) Nicklow of Markleton, PA.
Howard's wife and children would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful care givers and nurses who attended Howard in his last months and days. Your tender loving care for him meant the world to us.
Friends will be received at Meyersdale Grace Brethren Church, 112 Beachley Street on Monday, June 10, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., and again on Tuesday, June 11, at 10:00 a.m. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, June 11, at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Randy Haulk officiating. Interment to follow at Old Bethel Church Cemetery in Markleton, PA. Military honors will be provided by the Somerset County Honor Guard at the church.
Flowers or donations to the church in memory of Howard can be sent to Meyersdale Grace Brethren Church, 112 Beachley Street, Meyersdale, PA 15552.
Price Funeral Service, Inc., Meyersdale is honored to serve the Nicklow family. (www.WilliamRowePrice.com)