Deverre "Nick" Knickel

Nick was born on June 18, 1937 to the late Otto B. and Marie (Zeller) Knickel in Prospect, OH. He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen; son, Ben C. Knickel; daughter-in-law, Cindy; and grandchildren, Madeline, Drew and Addison of Gainesville, GA; sister, Karen Marie Knickel of Calabash, NC; special niece, DeAnn Knickel Ballentine and several other nieces and nephews survive along with a sister-in-law, Jean Henschen. He is predeceased by one brother, Richard Knickel.

Nick lived in Ohio until retiring to the Myrtle Beach area in 1999. He was baptized and confirmed in Zion UCC church in Prospect, OH and maintained a strong faith in God throughout his life. Nick grew up on a farm in central Ohio. He was an ardent fan of the Cleveland Browns and The Ohio State Buckeyes. In his teens, he showed shorthorn cattle as an FFA project. He graduated from Radnor High School in 1956. He also completed two years of undergraduate study at Ohio State University. As a young man, Nick was a pitcher for several fast-pitch softball teams.

After marriage, Nick and Karen made their home in Hilliard, Ohio where he was employed by Beaver Adhesives for over 30 years. He became Vice President of the company and helped to establish plants in Hillard, OH, Springfield, TN, and Medford, OR. He also joined a local slo-pitch softball team in which he played and acted as coach at times.

Nick was a member of the Ohio Air National Guard and served active duty in Etain, France during the Berlin Crisis in 1961. He was a member and later President of Hilliard City Council. As a father, Nick devoted much of his free time to youth sports, coaching Little League teams, etc.

During his retirement he and Karen enjoyed golf, travel, playing cards, and going to auctions. Nick was an avid reader of mystery/suspense novels. In recent years, time spent with family and friends was what he enjoyed most. He also loved watching Western movies and "The Antiques Roadshow".

Prior to his death, Nick requested that there be no funeral or celebration of life except with immediate family. The family requests that rather than flowers, you may donate to a charity of your choice.

A guestbook is available at www.leefhandcrematory.com.

Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.