COL. David Glenn Nickum

COL. David Glenn Nickum 86 of Kansas City, KS passed to the hands of our Lord surrounded by his family on August 27th, 2026. David was born on December 9th, 1939 to Glenn and Rosemary Nickum.

David married Sandra Jean Casteel, his “all in all,” on April 20th, 1959. God blessed David and Sandy with two children: a son David and daughter Gina. Military life began right away as David had joined the National Guard in 1956. Intermittently, Sandra parented their two children alone while David was assigned away from home. Sandra’s children and grandchildren adore her and truly, she was their “all in all.” Sandra was a supportive military wife and her efforts were vital to Colonel Nickum’s numerous military achievements.

In 1963, David (and family) moved to Alabama, completing Rotary Wing Aviator Training. David was part of the Army’s 1st Cavalry Division and served in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot through 1968-69. In 1973, then Captain Nickum, (and family) moved to Kentucky to complete Armor Officer Training. Additional stations included: Colorado, San Francisco and Virginia. Colonel Nickum retired in 1991and following their travels for the military, David and Sandy returned home to Kansas. On August 20th, 2022, Colonel Nickum was honored with induction into the Kansas Army National Guard OCS Hall of Fame.

Colonel was a gun enthusiast and enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. Most of all, he loved spending time with his large family and his puppies. He loved helping others and found immense joy in creating happiness for everyone around him.

He is survived by :

His younger siblings: Connie (Norman), John (Chris), Bill (Teresa).

His children: David (Janet), Gina.

His grandchildren: Heather (Josh), Tiffany (Erik), Jannel, Marysa (Eli), Phoebe, Madison, Joseph, Samuel.

His great grandchildren: Mea (Corey), Lily (Von), Gabe, Corynn, Owen, Eden, Ivy, Logan, Harvey, Jacque.

His great great grandchildren: Casteel, Mason

He was preceded in death by his wife Sandra Nickum (2014) and his parents Glenn and Rosemary Nickum

Graveside services will be held on September 9th at the Leavenworth National Cemetery, located at 150 Muncie Rd, Leavenworth, KS 66048 at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Wayside Waifs animal shelter in his name.