Family Of Hicks Park Murder Victim Remember Son, Brother Who Made Them Laugh

Lori Fullbright, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Family and friends are preparing for a funeral for Ethan Nichols. His service is Saturday.

Ethan and his girlfriend, ORU student Carissa Horton, were murdered Sunday night in a Tulsa park. Police say it was a random robbery and the couple was killed, even though they didn't put up a struggle.

9/19/2011 Related Story: Tulsa Police Release IDs Of Victims In Hicks Park Murders

Ethan's family says he excelled in everything he did, was a big time gamer, Frisbee golf fanatic and was dabbling in graphic design. But, what made him stand apart was his ability to make others laugh.

Ethan Nichols was the youngest of four. His siblings say he had energy and personality all his own and would help anyone, any time. He was smart, competitive and didn't let those around him get too serious.

"He had a tremendous sense of humor. If the situation was getting too heavy, he would toss out a joke or make fun of somebody to lighten up real quick. It's incredible how quickly he could lighten the mood," said Shawn Clark, Ethan's brother.

Ethan loved to go fishing with his mother and it didn't matter what they caught, they just loved talking and laughing. He was affectionate and quick to show it.

"When you weren't expecting it, he'd come up behind you and give you a hug, kiss on the cheek. He called me little sister because he towered over me," said Ethan's sister Leanne Clark.

Ethan was a gamer, competing with people on World War Craft and Call to Duty, and ranking 36th in the world.

"These high school boys carrying in big TV's all over the house. He'd say ‘mom can we have a party?' They'd be upstairs, downstairs, gaming together all over the house," said Ethan's mom Teresa Clark,

She says Ethan's relationship with Carissa Horton had brought him closer to God and he was evolving into a young man, a leader, an even stronger Christian.

She says she forgives the killers and isn't angry because she believes their punishment will be profound.

"When we think people are getting away with it, even the ones who do get away, hell is where they'll face their consequences," she said.

On Saturday, Ethan's family and friends will mark his passing, but the day before, they played Frisbee golf in order to honor his love for the sport, his love for life, his love of those closest to him.

Ethan's service is Saturday at 11 a.m. at Destiny Church on 91st and 145th in Broken Arrow. They say he would crack up at the idea of them wearing suits and dresses, so they'll go more casual, since that's what he'd want.

His family is allowing News On 6 to attend, because they want to share his story with as many people as possible.

9/22/2011 Related Story: Memorial Service Set For Couple Killed In Tulsa's Hicks Park