Johnnie "Bubba" Sanford Nidey

Johnnie attended Centennial High School. Johnnie proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from October 29th, 1958 to December 7th, 1962. He was adamant about honoring “D” Day and celebrating the Marine Corps Birthday each year on November 10th. During his service, he received the “Good Conduct Medal” and served as a squad leader, Sniper, Rifleman, and Gunner, concluding his military career as a Corporal.

After "Bubba" served his time in the military, he owned two gas stations in Pueblo, CO., and later became a “milk man.” In 1972, Bubba was hired by K.R. Swerdfeger Construction Inc. as one of the first employees. He belonged to the International Union of Operating Engineers Local #9 for his entire career of 33-years.

His nicknames were "Mighty Nidey" and "Port-a-John (he was willing to go to any job).

In his later years, Bubba played golf almost every day in Arizona in a retirement community. He also enjoyed shooting darts, playing pool, and dancing. At home, his grass was kept up like a golf course. He enjoyed all the neighborhood kids, who came to visit every day after school. They would line up for his treats.

He will be remembered for his kindness and friendship. He was a very great friend to everyone he met. There are no words to describe his sense of humor, or when it was going to come out and get you.

When he came into Janet, Van, and Tina's life as the "milkman", he always left us chocolate milk and other goodies in the milk box. After marrying our mom, he treated us as his own. We were very lucky "Bubba" came into our lives.

He loved making sure the grandkids had candy for their Easter baskets and coats for Christmas. He also made sure he had a nice meal to eat together when we came down to Pueblo.

Bubba is survived by his brothers, Mike Nidey and family, Rick Nidey and family; daughters, Janet Simon, Tina Rhodes and Sandy Lou; sons, Van Wands and family and John Dunfee and family; and grandchildren, Jason Wands, Tara and family, Jordan Rhodes, Kayla and family, Jake Rhodes, Nelli and family.

Services will be held August 10th at 1 p.m. at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80925 United States. A reception will follow at 2:30 at Imperial Funeral Home, 5450 Hwy. 78 West, Pueblo, CO 81005.