Terry Lee Nickels

Terry was born on November 1, 1944, in Waynesville, Missouri, to Wanda and Harvey Nickels, D.O. He grew up alongside his brothers, Gary and Darrell, and graduated with the Waynesville High School Class of 1964.

Terry continued his education at Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, Missouri, where he played football, earned his bachelor’s degree, and began pursuing his master’s degree. He was later accepted to Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCOM), where he earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree and began a lifelong career dedicated to caring for others.

While attending college in Kirksville, Terry met Connie Casady. The two married on August 7, 1966, and shared nearly 60 years of marriage filled with love, family, and adventure. Together, they traveled the world and enjoyed family getaways to the Lake of the Ozarks. They were blessed with two children, Tracy Lynn and Terry Lee, Jr. Terry was a hands-on father who loved unconditionally and made sure his children knew he would always be there for them, no matter what.

Terry’s dedication to medicine extended far beyond his own practice. In 1975, he opened Oak Cliff Clinic, where he served patients throughout the Oklahoma City area for 51 years. He practiced family medicine and surgery and delivered countless babies throughout his career. His patients were more than a profession; caring for them was where Terry found his greatest fulfillment. He possessed a deep passion for medicine and a genuine commitment to the people and families who entrusted him with their care.

Throughout his distinguished career, Terry served as team physician for Moore High School, worked with University of Oklahoma Athletics, and contributed his expertise to the Oklahoma State Nursing Home Board. He also served as president of the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Medicine.

A passionate advocate for osteopathic medicine and medical education, Terry played an instrumental role in establishing the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program at Oklahoma State University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as well as the D.O. program at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas. His leadership and vision helped create opportunities for future generations of physicians and strengthened the profession he loved.

Terry will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his lifelong commitment to his patients, and the lasting contributions he made to medicine in Oklahoma and beyond. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the physicians he helped inspire, and the family who will forever cherish his love and guidance.

Terry is survived by his wife Connie Nickels; daughter Tracy L. Nickels – Bishop; son Terry L. Nickels, Jr.; grandson Justice Bishop and wife Lindsay; granddaughter Alana Bishop; brother Gary Nickels; brother Darrell Nickels and wife Adele; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Terry is preceded in death by his parents Wanda and Harvey Nickels, D.O.

A private burial ceremony will be held at Sunset Memorial Park.