Nicholas “Nick” T. Lengyel’s life was marked by adventure, service, love, and  faith. Born on October 15, 1929, in Weirton, West Virginia, the baby boy of immigrant couple, Ivan and Anna Lengyel’s brood of 11, family was forever a fixture in Nick’s long life. He often told stories of the antics he and his younger siblings got in to, and he stayed in close contact with them and their respective families all throughout his life.

Nick’s adventures started at a young age. At 14 he sought a job on the railroad. When they asked his age, he squeaked “17,” the boss cut his eyes at him and let him carry water before he was allowed to pound nails and lay down line.

His work ethic continued into his 23 year military career as a Medical Supply Sergeant (retired as Senior Master Sergeant) which included two overseas assignments and service in the Korean War. He stayed busy and even pulled in an income on the side, playing cards, working at the bowling alley, making and selling driftwood lamps, or cutting hair. While stationed in Italy he played fast pitch softball with the United All-Star Team as a pitcher.

A true people-person, Nick made friends wherever he went, and always by his side was his best friend of all, his wife of 52 years, Lenore. These two were famous in their communities for cleaning up at swing dance competitions and marathons. Their sons, Michael and Roger, saw much of Europe and the United States during Nick and Lenore’s career in the military. Following the military, Nick was the Director of Engineering at two hospitals in the Dallas area for 25 years.

When Michael married Mary Ann and Roger married Sandi, Nick’s family grew. Nick was “Geda” to his four grandchildren and their spouses, Chad (Vanessa), Courtney (Gerritt Siebring), Laura (Joshua Miller), and Nicholas, and was able to enjoy their graduations, weddings, the birth and adoption of their children, and so many other milestones. Nick was “Pap-Pap” to his five great-grandchildren, Tru, Solomon, Elliana, Shae Lenore, and Emmalee.

He was the historian for his extended family and they are blessed to have a substantial history recorded. The biggest blessing that Nick imparted to his family, and anyone he met, was his faith in Jesus Christ. His Bible always seemed to be open on the kitchen counter or coffee table, marked up and written in. He left a legacy of faith in Christ for his entire family and was proud to watch them carry that legacy forward.

He died peacefully in his sleep at home on June 4, 2024.