Robert Lee Nickens

Robert Lee Nickens, III, 72, of Dowagiac, MI passed away at his home on Friday – May 7, 2021. Arrangements have been entrusted to Clark Chapel – 405 Center St., Dowagiac, MI. Robert (Nick) Nickens was born on Oct. 6, 1948 in Benton Harbor, MI to the late Robert and Patsy (Norwood) Nickens. He was raised by his grandparents William and Leola Norwood from infancy to adulthood in Dowagiac, MI. Robert attended Dowagiac public schools, however he graduated from the Jackson Northwest District School in Jackson, MI. On June 6, 1966 in Dowagiac he married Shirley Jackson. They raised five children - sons – Robert Lee Nickens, IV and Jamaal Nickens both of Dowagiac, and Darius Nickens who is preceded in death; daughters – Denice (Jerry) Redmond of Elkhart, IN and Christine Nickens of Dowagiac; he has six surviving siblings - Ronald Nickens of South Bend, Donald Nickens of Kalamazoo, Veronica Joy Shivers of Dowagiac, Lee Clay Nickens of South Bend, Barbara Scott of Decatur and Tracy Nickens of Lansing; 14 grandchildren - Jamere Bacon, Bryant Bacon, Denicesha Nickens, Jalen Nickens, Kalen Dean, Dominique Nickens, Chandyn Redmond, Darius Nickens, Rayne Nickens, Jammila Nickens, Jasseye Nickens, Darionna Nickens, Dareon Nickens and Darrius Nickens and seven great grandchildren - Ja'Juan Nickens, Jailah Bacon, Jarius Nickens, Jamere Bacon, Stephon Dean, Seven Dean and Zarra Nickens - whom he liked to remind that they are “his blood, his flesh and his bones, and he loved them all.” He is preceded in death by his birth parents Robert and Patsy Nickens; his grandparents William and Leola Norwood; his son Darius Jevon Nickens; sisters-Teresa Gaskill, Cassandra Nickens, Robin Kay Donley; and brother August Nickens. Robert enjoyed sports, playing chess, listening to music, spending time with family and friends, and lively biblical discussions. A public walk-by visitation will take place on Monday-May 17, from 12pm-1pm, at Clark Chapel. The ‘Private Family Only’ Celebration of Life Service will be held at Clark Chapel in Dowagiac with Pastor Tracey Roddy officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Dowagiac. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.clarkchapel.com