Willis Dean Nicholes

Willis Dean Nicholes, 84, of Quaker City, died Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Ohio Health Southeastern Medical Center in Cambridge.

He was born February 5, 1940, a son of the late John and Virginia (McEndree) Nicholes.

Willis was a retired construction worker and worked as an operator and foreman.

He was a member of the Barnesville Eagles and the Barnesville VFW. Willis also holds a record for the longest Bluegill caught Ohio, weighting 3.28 pounds and measuring 12-3/4 inches long. He caught the fish on April 28, 1990, at the Salt Fork Reservoir.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Yvonna, four sons, Joey Wayne, Kenny Sean, Korry Gene, and Kerry Dean, his brothers, Delbert (Donna) Nicholes, Don (Rosalie) Nicholes, and Robert Nicholes, his sisters, Delores (Herman) Crooks, Sylvia (Larry) Neuhart, Florence Lent, Patricia Perkins, and his brother-in-law, Ernest Jr. Roe.

He is survived by four daughters, Penny (Robert) McPeek of Newcomerstown, Peggy (Roger) Miller of Quaker City, Polly (John) Doane of Pleasant City, and Pammy (Chad) Wilson of Las Vegas, NV, and his loving sister, Shirley Roe of Old Washington. Also left to cherish his memory are his thirteen grandchildren, Devin (Alexe) Nicholes, Hannah (Bryan) Howard, Kodie (Whitney) Nicholes, C.D. (Jenny) Vinson, Miranda Miller, Kylene (Anthony) Keadle, Tessa (Darin) Wilson, Samuel (T.J.) McPeek, Shantelle (Jeff) Keadle, Seth (Krystal) McPeek, Chesney (Brandon) Keadle, Hugh McPeek, and Laikyn (Josiah) Rhodes. Willis also leaves behind nineteen great-grandchildren, Bella Hannah, Kyler, Malaya, Sophia, Rhodie, Kodak, Petra, Stella, Beau, Boone, Skylar, Gianna, Riley, Noah, Isla, Wyatt, Koen, and Ryker.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 4-8PM at Thorn Black Funeral Home in Quaker City. Services will be held the following day, Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 11AM at Thorn Black Funeral Home in Quaker City with Pastor Jeff Eschbaugh officiating. Burial will follow at Friends Cemetery.