Nathanial Mickles Sr

Nathanial Mickles Sr (Butch) 

Nathanial Mickles Sr was born on June 5th, 1946, in Omaha, Nebraska to James Larcel Mickles and Pearlee. His parents worked at Armour Packing Plant in South Omaha, Occupation, Butcher. Hence the name given, Butch Mickles. In 1963, at the age of 17, Butch enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve, he served one year. Butch had the desire to leave his hometown to see the world. His quest was to serve in the Marines, while meeting with a recruiting officer, he discovered the United States Army. The army recruiter went as far as driving Butch to his mother, Pearlee, to sign the paperwork for enlistment. Butch soon found himself in Germany, serving with the United States Army. 

It was in the Army that Butch found the passion for combat, specifically marshal arts, and later Taekwondo. Butch also took to playing music, starting with the upright bass. Butch served in the United States Army until his Honorable discharge at the rank of SP4 and receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Expert (Rifle) on May 31st, 1969. 

In September, 1967 Butch married Teela Johnson.  In the years to follow, Butch became a father to three sons and two daughters: Nathanial Mickles Jr, (Mark) 1968, Aleet 1969, Leland 1970, Justin 1971 and Natelina 1975.

Butch was a hard worker having received multiple service awards from his employer. Employed at Western Electric Company, AT&T Network Systems, Lucent Technologies, Inc and now Avaya. Butch retired at the age of 55. He was a student of the American Taekwondo Association, (ATA Karate) and later opening his own karate school. Behind the scenes, Butch engaged in the fine arts of painting and sculpting. Butch also played the Electric Bass and later becoming the Bass player for Preston Love in the Omaha Jazz scene.

Father, James Larcel Mickles, Mother, Pearlee Mickles, Sister Alice Louise Twyman, Sister Alice Mae Harris, and Sister Lucille Elizabeth Wood-Watkins proceeded him in death. Butch leaves to cherish his memories, Brother, Henry (Sara) Smith, Sister, Delores Secret, Sister, Elesten (Alan) Reid, Brother, Archie Mickles, Sister, Sandra Wright, Sister, Ruthie (Orlando) Berry, Son, Nathanial Mark Mickles Jr, Daughter, Aleet Vaughn, Son, Leland Mickles, Son, Justin (Angie) Mickles, Daughter Natelina Mickles and more than 80 and counting grandchildren & great grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.

                         “He left his Mark in the world” 

 Military Service will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025 2:30 pm Omaha National Cemetery      14250 Schram Road Omaha, NE 68138