Edward Merle Nicks, 80 of Midland, passed away February 16, 2026. A visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Friday, February 20, 2026 at the Branch at npw. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the Branch at npw. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.Continue Reading
Edward Merle Nicks, 80 of Midland, passed away February 16, 2026. A visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Friday, February 20, 2026 at the Branch at npw. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the Branch at npw. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.
Edward Merle Nicks was born June 1, 1945 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Anthony Merle Nicks and Marie Nicks. He was married to Janet Lynn Stokes Nicks and his children were Kelli Page Gruzins and Kerri Payne James. Edward is a veteran of 4 years with the Air Force and Midland Police department for 33 years where he was a Sargent over SWAT and K9. After retiring from MPD he continued training police force K9s around the country for Adlerhorst K9 for 20 more years. A total of 57 years of service. He and his K9 partner Joll received the Officer of the year award. He owned J&E K9 academy that trained civilian dogs for over 30 years in Midland, Texas.
Edward is survived by his wife, Janet Lynn Nicks, two daughters Kelli Page Gruzins and Kerri Payne James, his grandchildren Hudson David Gruzins, Cameron Maddux Payne, Carson Mantle Payne, and Harper Kayleigh Gruzins, and his great grandchild Natasia Nyx Raven Gruzins.
Edward is preceded in death by his parents Merle and Marie Nicks and his sister Anna Mae Melhuse.
The family would like to express their gratitude towards Midland Police Department officers, Midland Memorial hospital staff and all the many family members and friends who stood by him.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.
To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Edward Merle Nicks, please visit our Tribute Store.
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8 trees were planted in memory of Edward Nicks 
M. Hollingsworth
left a message on February 19, 2026:
Nicks loved his bikes, cars, and dogs, but above all, he loved his family. He was a great friend who will be forever missed.
Ivonne Moreno
left a message on February 24, 2026:
Our deepest condolences from our Cornerstone Caregiving team. May his friends and family find comfort in God during this time of loss.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Edward Nicks . Plant a Tree
Victor Rivera
left a message on February 20, 2026:
My heartfelt condolences to Ed’s family. Peace be with you.
Friend, co-worker, leader, big brother—that’s how I will always remember Ed. Although I didn’t see him often after his retirement, I was always glad to see him, and we packed a lot of catching up into just a few minutes.
At the Midland Police Department, Ed facilitated the integration of the negotiations team into the SWAT function. Today, the negotiations team is benefiting from that foundation. I have always been grateful for how he valued my opinions during critical incidents; he never demeaned our team’s advice.
I enjoyed our personal conversations—some serious, some lighthearted, and always making me laugh.
Rest in peace, Ed.
Patrick Mayers
left a message on February 19, 2026:
Just a quick, funny story about Sgt Nicks…when Ed was my patrol Sergeant, he called me at home one afternoon. I knew Ed to be usually hyper-focused. While we were talking he was telling me something really important and intense. I don’t remember being in trouble, but it’s highly likely I was. Regardless, he was pretty focused on whatever it was he was telling me, and he was talking pretty fast. He got through telling me whatever it was, and he was done with the conversation, and before hanging up he said quickly, “ok love you, bye.” And hung up. Before I could react, he quickly called me back and was stumbling over his words to apologize. I just thought it was great and so typical, and perfectly described who Ed was. He was 1. Intense, 2. Cared a lot, 3. Knew when to laugh at himself, and 4. Was always quick to apologize. Just a really good dude. Sure liked having him as my Sergeant. I believe Ed is dancing with Jesus. Hallelujah!
David, Allison, Amber, Ryan and Jan
left a message on February 19, 2026:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Peace And Serenity was purchased for the family of Edward Nicks by David, Allison, Amber, Ryan and Jan. Send Flowers
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Anonymous
left a message on February 19, 2026:
With deepest sympathy,The Team at Permian Abstract Company
Peace Lily was purchased for the family of Edward Nicks by Anonymous. Send Flowers
Curb Records
left a message on February 19, 2026:
You are in our thoughts and prayers! Your family at Curb Records
Beautiful Basket was purchased for the family of Edward Nicks by Curb Records. Send Flowers
SuJo McKee
left a message on February 19, 2026:
Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. Hugs and Love,SuJo
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Edward Nicks . Plant a Tree
Albert Boognl
left a message on February 19, 2026:
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Ed. He was a good man and we spent many hours training Police Canines and learning from him. Prayers to all the family and friends.
Albert Boognl
Farmington Police (retired)
West Texas Abstract & Title
left a message on February 19, 2026:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.From,Your Family at West Texas Abstract
Yellow Designer's Choice was purchased for the family of Edward Nicks by West Texas Abstract & Title. Send Flowers
Jeff, Nicole, and Mackenzie Inman
left a message on February 18, 2026:
Kerri, Kelli, and Jan, Our sincere condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. We love you all and have you in our prayers.
White Designer's Choice was purchased for the family of Edward Nicks by Jeff, Nicole, and Mackenzie Inman. Send Flowers
Marilyn Pollard
left a message on February 18, 2026:
Kelli, our hearts are saddened to learn of your Dad’s passing. May the peace and comfort of God fill you and your family in the days ahead.
Love, the Pollards
Anonymous
left a message on February 18, 2026:
Kerri and Family, My heart is heavy for you.Praying for comfort and strength. With love, Cherie The Lord is close to the brokenheartedPsalm 34:18
White Designer's Choice was purchased for the family of Edward Nicks by Anonymous. Send Flowers
Trinity Baptist Church
left a message on February 18, 2026:
We at Trinity Baptist Church, Big Spring, Texas want you to know that prayers are being lifted for your family. May the God of all comfort keep your hearts and minds at this time. Please know that we are here to help you through your grief. We offer our GriefShare ministry several times throughout the year.
Please visit our website tbcbigspring.com/serve/grief-share
if you are local; or visit Griefshare.org to find grief ministries.
Anonymous
left a message on February 18, 2026:
On behalf of Chief Greg Snow and the Midland Police Department, please accept our deepest condolences.
Heart Of Peace was purchased for the family of Edward Nicks by Anonymous. Send Flowers
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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M. Hollingsworth
left a message on February 19, 2026:
Nicks loved his bikes, cars, and dogs, but above all, he loved his family. He was a great friend who will be forever missed.
Ivonne Moreno
left a message on February 24, 2026:
Our deepest condolences from our Cornerstone Caregiving team. May his friends and family find comfort in God during this time of loss.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Edward Nicks . Plant a Tree
Victor Rivera
left a message on February 20, 2026:
My heartfelt condolences to Ed’s family. Peace be with you.
Friend, co-worker, leader, big brother—that’s how I will always remember Ed. Although I didn’t see him often after his retirement, I was always glad to see him, and we packed a lot of catching up into just a few minutes.
At the Midland Police Department, Ed facilitated the integration of the negotiations team into the SWAT function. Today, the negotiations team is benefiting from that foundation. I have always been grateful for how he valued my opinions during critical incidents; he never demeaned our team’s advice.
I enjoyed our personal conversations—some serious, some lighthearted, and always making me laugh.
Rest in peace, Ed.
Patrick Mayers
left a message on February 19, 2026:
Just a quick, funny story about Sgt Nicks…when Ed was my patrol Sergeant, he called me at home one afternoon. I knew Ed to be usually hyper-focused. While we were talking he was telling me something really important and intense. I don’t remember being in trouble, but it’s highly likely I was. Regardless, he was pretty focused on whatever it was he was telling me, and he was talking pretty fast. He got through telling me whatever it was, and he was done with the conversation, and before hanging up he said quickly, “ok love you, bye.” And hung up. Before I could react, he quickly called me back and was stumbling over his words to apologize. I just thought it was great and so typical, and perfectly described who Ed was. He was 1. Intense, 2. Cared a lot, 3. Knew when to laugh at himself, and 4. Was always quick to apologize. Just a really good dude. Sure liked having him as my Sergeant. I believe Ed is dancing with Jesus. Hallelujah!
David, Allison, Amber, Ryan and Jan
left a message on February 19, 2026:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Peace And Serenity was purchased for the family of Edward Nicks by David, Allison, Amber, Ryan and Jan. Send Flowers
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Anonymous
left a message on February 19, 2026:
With deepest sympathy,The Team at Permian Abstract Company
Peace Lily was purchased for the family of Edward Nicks by Anonymous. Send Flowers
Curb Records
left a message on February 19, 2026:
You are in our thoughts and prayers! Your family at Curb Records
Beautiful Basket was purchased for the family of Edward Nicks by Curb Records. Send Flowers
SuJo McKee
left a message on February 19, 2026:
Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. Hugs and Love,SuJo
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Edward Nicks . Plant a Tree
Albert Boognl
left a message on February 19, 2026:
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Ed. He was a good man and we spent many hours training Police Canines and learning from him. Prayers to all the family and friends.
Albert Boognl
Farmington Police (retired)
West Texas Abstract & Title
left a message on February 19, 2026:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.From,Your Family at West Texas Abstract
Yellow Designer's Choice was purchased for the family of Edward Nicks by West Texas Abstract & Title. Send Flowers
Jeff, Nicole, and Mackenzie Inman
left a message on February 18, 2026:
Kerri, Kelli, and Jan, Our sincere condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. We love you all and have you in our prayers.
White Designer's Choice was purchased for the family of Edward Nicks by Jeff, Nicole, and Mackenzie Inman. Send Flowers
Marilyn Pollard
left a message on February 18, 2026:
Kelli, our hearts are saddened to learn of your Dad’s passing. May the peace and comfort of God fill you and your family in the days ahead.
Love, the Pollards
Anonymous
left a message on February 18, 2026:
Kerri and Family, My heart is heavy for you.Praying for comfort and strength. With love, Cherie The Lord is close to the brokenheartedPsalm 34:18
White Designer's Choice was purchased for the family of Edward Nicks by Anonymous. Send Flowers
Trinity Baptist Church
left a message on February 18, 2026:
We at Trinity Baptist Church, Big Spring, Texas want you to know that prayers are being lifted for your family. May the God of all comfort keep your hearts and minds at this time. Please know that we are here to help you through your grief. We offer our GriefShare ministry several times throughout the year.
Please visit our website tbcbigspring.com/serve/grief-share
if you are local; or visit Griefshare.org to find grief ministries.
Anonymous
left a message on February 18, 2026:
On behalf of Chief Greg Snow and the Midland Police Department, please accept our deepest condolences.
Heart Of Peace was purchased for the family of Edward Nicks by Anonymous. Send Flowers
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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