Carl Edward Nickens

Carl Edward Nickens, age 76, of Oxnard, California, formerly of Freeman Spur, Illinois,  passed away Sunday, July 17, 2022 at his brothers home in Freeman Spur, Illinois while visiting.  

Carl was born January 11, 1946 in Freeman Spur, Illinois, a son of Bernice Nickens.  After graduating Herrin High School in 1964,  he joined the US Navy and  proudly served with the Seabees during the Vietnam War.  After he was discharged he continued to serve in the Navy Reserves for 26 years.  He worked for the Department of Defense in California for 35 years.     

He is survived by four children, Tracy Carter of San Diego, CA, Butch Carter of WI, Kevin Carter of Oxnard, CA, and Hannah Hardey of Washington, DC; two brothers, Donald L. (Beverly) Nickens of Freeman Spur, IL and Ernest L. (Janice) Nickens of Freeman Spur, IL; his nephew, Mark Hall, nephew Timothy (Mandy) Nickens, nephew Steven (Denetta) Nickens, nephew Bryan (Erial) Nickens, great-niece Jaylen Nickens, great-nephew Trevor Nickens, great-nephew Eli Nickens, great-niece Errianna Woods, great-nephew Dakota Woods, great-nephew Colton Merrick, great-niece Calista Nickens, great-niece Brittany (Derek) Raynor, great-nephew Dustin Maxey, great-niece Talia Nickens, great-great-nephew Jackson Raynor, great-great-nephew Gensen Ranor, and great-great-niece Elinore Maxey.  He is preceded in death by his mother, Bernice Nickens and his nephew, Don Michael Nickens and great-niece Connie Maxey.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, July 27, 2022, 10:00 AM at Herrin City Cemetery with Rev. Robert Jilek officiating.  Military honors will be conducted by the Honor Guard Ritual Team comprised of the Carterville American Legion Post 347, the Herrin American Legion Post 645, and Herrin VFW Post 1567. 
Johnson Hughes Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.