Alton Derell Nicklas

Alton Derell Nicklas was born December 20, 1944 in Ruston, La

Derell lived his early years in Texarkana, Texas..  His father’s profession required the family to move around quite often.  Derell attended several schools where he excelled in sports.  He graduated from Jasper, Texas High School in 1963.

Upon graduation, Derell attended Stephen F Austin College in Nacogdoches, Texas. He graduated with a degree in Economics.  While he was a senior at SFA, he married his high school sweetheart, Sylvia Lyons.

Soon after their marriage, Derell was drafted into the Army, where he spent the next two years as a dedicated soldier.  After stints at Fort Bliss, Texas and Fort Ord, CA it was HELLO VIET NAM.  Derell achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and was awarded several meritorious commendations including Bronze Star with 1^st Oak Leaf Cluster. Upon completion of his military duty and start of what was to become a lifelong career,  Derell and Sylvia started their family.  Mark was born in 1975 and Stacie was born almost 3 years later in  December 1977. They raised their family in Ennis, Texas.

Derell was a natural leader and great salesman - soon to be proven by a successful career in the mobile home business.  Derell started his career with Redman Homes in the 70’s and worked himself up from a salesman to a General Manager and to a Regional Vice President.  Derell lived all over the southern part of the US, moving back to Texas from Florida in 2007. He had a love of golf and sports in general, which lead him to choose his final home at the paradise we all know as Robson Ranch.  He made many wonderful friends, loved his church, and enjoyed all Robson had to offer. 

Derell met and married BK Murphy in 2011, the couple built their home on Gallery Street and shared almost 10 wonderful years of marriage filled with laughter and adventure.

After a 10 month battle with cancer, surrounded by his family and much love, Derell made his heavenly T-time on Wednesday September 23, 2020.  

Derell is survived by his wife, BK Nicklas, son Mark and wife Christina of Katy Texas, daughter Stacie Penny and husband Chase of Van, Texas, Sylvia Nicklas (mother of Mark and Stacie), three step-children and spouses, 12 gorgeous grandchildren and two perfect great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers it was Derell’s wish that any memorial tributes can be made in the form of a charitable donation to the Support Our Troops Club of Robson Ranch.  Derell was very proud of being a Veteran and never forgot his time in service for our United States of America.

For those of you in the DFW area who may want and be able to celebrate the life of Derell Nicklas, the following information is offered below:

Derell’s Célébration of Life Service will be on October 11 at 2pm in the clubhouse ballroom at Robson Ranch. All friends are invited to come and celebrate Derell’s Life. Thank you for your friendship and love!

Don't forget to take your axe handles! Take photos!

                     Ron King, Glenn Jennings, Ben Caperton, Jerri Hornsby (Tommy's Widow)