GREENFIELD
Donald L. Nicely, age 82, of Greenfield, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at AMG Specialty Hospital in Greenfield. He was born in Indianapolis on November 27, 1937 to James E. and Mabel L. (Burkert) Nicely. A 1955 graduate of Charlottesville High School and served in the Indiana National Guard.
Donald married Sarah “Sally” (Holt) on June 22, 1963 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Greenfield.
He worked for Ford for 30 years starting as a mechanic and retired in 1996 as a material handling supervisor. Donald was a life member of Elks Lodge #1720, where he was a cook and volunteered and held various offices within the club. He was a former Greenfield American Legion member. He was also a 25-year member of USAC and a member of Indianapolis 500 Oldtimers Clubs.
Donald liked fishing, cooking, gardening, auto racing, camping, and traveling in the Winnebago Club. Mr. Nicely served as a pit crew member for stock car driver, Curtis Turner and he also drag raced in Muncie, IN. He most of all loved spending time with his family and friends.
Donald is survived by his wife, Sally Nicely of Greenfield; daughter, Dianne (Greg) Hoover of Greenfield; granddaughter, Deidre (Cody) Low of Greenfield; three bonus grandchildren, Rachel, Amanda, and Jamison; four bonus great-grandchildren and one on the way; brother, Robert H. Nicely of Greenfield; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mabel Nicely; and brother, James E. “J.R.” Nicely.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2020, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A celebration of Donald’s life will be held on Friday, September 25, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at the mortuary. As a reminder, masks are required in public indoor spaces and please practice social distancing.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by mail to Peyton’s Promise Inc., 14091 Hearthwood Drive, Fishers, IN 46040, by website at https://www.peytonspromiseinc.org/ or envelopes will be available at the mortuary. Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.
