Nicholas S. Checkles , M.D.

Nicholas Checkles was born on February 12, 1930, in Delphos, Ohio, to World War I veteran Sam Checkles and his wife, Eleni, both immigrants from the island of Crete. Following the tragic early deaths of his father, aunt Theodora, and uncle George Rousos, his mother courageously raised Nick, his sister Kay, and her nephews Mike and Tim Rousos, who were like brothers to him.

Despite these early hardships, Nick excelled in all areas of life. He was captain of the football team and class president at Delphos High School, graduating in 1948.

Nick met the love of his life, Aretta “Terri” Mancy, at a dance at the Greek church in Toledo, Ohio. They were married on June 17, 1956, beginning a loving partnership that lasted 66 years. In his own words, “She was a beautiful woman, extremely intelligent and my intellectual equal.”

He pursued an extensive education, attending Case Western Reserve University, The University of Toledo, the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, and The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Nick completed his medical residency in Chicago while serving as a Lieutenant in the Medical Corps of the U.S. Navy.

He began his medical career in private practice in Toledo before relocating to Columbus, Ohio, to specialize in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. There, he taught at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and remained a devoted Ohio State football fan, attending many games during the Woody Hayes era.

In 1977, Nick moved his family to Houston, Texas, where he continued his private practice in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Deeply proud of his Greek heritage, Nick was actively involved in the Greek community throughout his life. While attending the University of Toledo in the early 1950s, he was a member of GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth Organization) at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Toledo, where he helped found The Hellenic Echo, a newsletter that continues to be published today. He was also a longtime member of AHEPA in both Columbus and Houston, where he served on the scholarship committee, supporting and encouraging college students in their educational pursuits.

After retiring, Nick recognized a need to promote Greek cultural heritage in Houston and became the founding father of the Hellenic Cultural Center of the Southwest. The organization is dedicated to sharing the rich history and contributions of Hellenic civilization, including its influence on language, government, arts, architecture, athletics, science, medicine, and philosophy. Please visit https://hcc-sw.org/ for more information.

Nick lived an active and joyful life. He was an avid golfer and longtime member of Raveneaux Country Club in Spring, Texas, playing regularly until the age of 89. His home was always open to family and friends, where he and Terri hosted many memorable gatherings. For Nick, the greatest joy was spending time with loved ones, often traveling to visit family across the country and in Greece.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Kay Sares; his beloved wife, Terri Mancy Checkles; and his son, Chris Checkles.

He is survived by his children: Elaine Leatherwood (Lee), Steve Checkles (Cheri), and Paul Checkles; daughter-in-law Jenny Checkles; grandchildren Nicki Leatherwood-Schoolar (Max), Sam Leatherwood (Caty), Nicholas Checkles (Laura Beth), Costa Checkles (Wen-Ting), and Ariana Checkles; great-grandchildren Aretta and Zelda Schoolar; and Leonidas Checkles, expected in August 2026; along with many extended family members.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to his caregivers, Sophia Wade and Debra Zeno, for their compassionate care in his final years.

Visitation will be held at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3511 Yoakum Blvd, Houston, on Wednesday, April 1, at 9:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Cook-Walden Forest Oaks Memorial Park, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas, at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 2.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hellenic Cultural Center of the Southwest, AHEPA Chapter 29, or Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heightsfuneralhome.com.

Please use the following link to read the life story of Mr. Nicolas S. Checkles https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://drive.google.com/file/d/15y9rk1jDpD-u7-zLe81CSNq0vbMys8TE/view?usp=sharing__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!Ka9W4R05PfuIPNeVyKoswvC7INcQFw47N3MKvx7Qo39HIjhcsiru6v65LkdiAiPWbLpSSG-wjVHc7mdtKzvOlzoxtQ$