Lawrence Henry Nickles

INDIANAPOLIS - Lawrence Henry Nickles, 96, of Indianapolis, passed away on January 31, 2018. He was born April 24, 1921 in Abbeville County, SC to Henry White and Elizabeth Bryson (McCord) Nickles.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Hilda Letsinger Nickles, son Lawrence Henry (Hank) Nickles, Jr and wife Jane Anne Schwartz, son Steven Ashton Nickles and wife Deborah Lee Phelps, and daughter Donna Nickles McCain and husband William Bruce McCain. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Kristina, Blake, Abbey, Courtney, Nick, Hillary, and Sam; and eight great-grandchildren.

Larry graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Air Forces. He rose to the rank of Captain and was awarded a certificate for Meritorious Service as Assistant Engineering Officer and Chief, Maintenance and Supply Branch, Accelerated Service Test Section, Flight Test Division at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.

Larry worked for Allison Gas Turbine Division of General Motors for 41 years in Aircraft Engine Design and Development, and was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He was also active in church leadership at Speedway Christian Church, Speedway, IN, and First Presbyterian Church, Greenwood, SC, and active in the Lions Club of Speedway, IN, American Legion Post 20 of Greenwood, SC, and Gideons International.

Larry's love of life was his family and helping others; hunting, fishing, and whittling; travel and participating in the community.

A small family remembrance was held February 3, 2018, at Robin Run Village in Indianapolis.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Larry's memory may be made to Speedway Christian Church, Speedway, IN.