Dike Nerren
Mr. Dike Nerren, age 81, of Hickman, KY, passed away Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Baptist Memorial Hospital Emergency Room in Union City, TN.
He was born on March 21, 1945, in Hickman, KY, to the late Robert D. Nerren and Mable Poynor Nerren.
Dike never met a stranger. He loved to fish, golf, hunt, travel and, most of all, spend time with his family and friends. He lived life to the fullest, always finding something to enjoy and someone to share it with. He and his wife, Dino, shared 62 wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with love, laughter, adventure, and countless memories together.
Dike was a proud lineman for 38 years. He took great pride in his work and was known for his knowledge, determination, and ability to get where he needed to go. There wasn’t a map he couldn’t read or a road name he didn’t know. He seemed to always know exactly where he was and how to get there.
Family was at the heart of Dike’s life. He deeply loved his daughters, Deena and Dionne, his granddaughter, Kayla, his grandson by marriage, Justin, and his beloved great-grandchildren, Sadie and Sawyer, whom he lovingly called his “twins.” There wasn’t much Poppy wouldn’t do for Sadie and Sawyer. In his later years, he found great joy in his shop, where he spent countless hours woodworking and creating bowls, ducks, boats, and whatever else his great-grandchildren could dream up and ask Poppy to make.
He also cherished his son-in-law, Bob. The two spent many afternoons together in the shop, working, talking, laughing, and simply enjoying each other’s company. Those afternoons were a reflection of what Dike loved most-being surrounded by family, making memories, and enjoying the simple moments of life.
Dike and Dino loved to travel and spent many days playing golf together on any course they could find along the way. They enjoyed life together, embraced every adventure, and made memories wherever they went.
Most afternoons, you could find Dike in his shop with the door open, always ready to welcome a friend who stopped by to sit, talk, and spend some time with him. His shop was more than a place where he worked with his hands — it was a place where people gathered, stories were shared, laughter was heard, and friendships were made.
Above all, Dike loved his family and lived his life fully. He was happiest when he was surrounded by the people he loved.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Martha “Dino” McKelvey Nerren, whom he married on July 26, 1964. He is also survived by two daughters, Deena (Bob) Anderson of Hickman, KY, and Dionne Nerren of Memphis, TN; one granddaughter, Kayla (Justin) Mathis of Hickman, KY; two great-grandchildren, Sadie and Sawyer Mathis, both of Hickman, KY; and three sisters-in-law, Katherine Garrigan and JoAnn McKelvey, both of Union City, TN, and Dianna Nerren of Hickman, KY.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Cellie Bob Merolla; and his brother, Robert Nerren.
Funeral services for Mr. Dike Nerren will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, September 28, 2026, at the Hornbeak Funeral Chapel in Hickman, with Bro. Jason Sipes and the Rev. Richard Holloway officiating. Burial will follow in the Hickman City Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Hornbeak Funeral Chapel in Hickman from 10 a.m. Monday until the hour of service.
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