Dr. Franklin Delano Nickell, a former professor of history at Southeast Missouri State University died on February 9, 2025 surrounded by his family. He taught at Southeast from 1969 to 2013. After his retirement he worked for the Missouri State Historical Society then transitioned to his most recent position at the Kellerman Foundation. He established the Center for Regional History and has received multiple prestigious awards locally, regionally, and nationally.  

Born on December 7, 1935 Dr. Nickell was raised on a farm near Atwood, Illinois. He received B.S. and M.S. degrees from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois, and a Ph.D in American History from the University of New Mexico. Dr. Nickell and Gynel Snyder were married September 9, 1956; they were great humanitarians to the community. She preceded his passing in December 2011. Together they established the humane society in Cape Girardeau, MO, now referred to as Southeast Missouri Pets.  

Dr. Nickell was the youngest of eight children, born to Leonard Nickell and Orpha Mechling Nickell, all who preceded him in death.  

Dr. Nickell will be missed as he was deeply loved by his family, including his foster sons Roger (Thuy) Luethner and Lance Luethner who preceded him in death, his special niece Janet (Kevin) Stewart, as well as many other nieces, nephews and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the following are suggested to honor his memory: Franklin Nickell Scholarship, Southeast Missouri State University Southeast Missouri Pets of Cape Girardeau, MO