Msgr Rex Eugene Nicholl

Monsignor Rex Eugene Nicholl, the senior priest of the Diocese of Amarillo, passed away on February 11, 2026 in Amarillo, Texas. He was 89 years old.

Services will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral, 1200 S Washington St, Amarillo, Texas. A Vigil and Rosary will be held on Sunday, February 15th at 6:00 pm. The funeral Mass will be held on Monday, February 16th at 11:00 am (livestream available).

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that you make a donation to the Monsignor Rex Nicholl Memorial Fund, that will continue Rex’s personal and priestly legacy of supporting his communities in their celebrations of life and addressing urgent needs. See below for more information.

Rex was born Dec. 3, 1936 in Paris, Texas, the son of Worth Howard Nicholl and Phyllis McDade Nicholl. He is the oldest of four siblings, and is survived by his brothers, Larry and Clark, his sister, Sandy, and his nieces/nephews Debye, Rebecca, Colette, Michael, Rachel, Renee, Roxanne, and Andrew.

Rex was a devoted son, brother, and uncle to his family, and was beloved by many. A true Renaissance man, he delighted in playing piano, singing, dancing, and watching musicals and other classic movies. He was a skilled athlete in his younger years and a zealous sports fan his whole life: he followed all sports, all teams, seldom missed a bowl game, and often had multiple games on at the same time. He also loved history, read widely, and for a brief time was an associate editor of The West Texas Register (now The West Texas Catholic). In recent years, he particularly enjoyed cheering on the Spurs with Clark, and friendly debates with Larry.

Being a priest was his calling and vocation. It was his heart and soul. Throughout his almost 59 years of priestly service, he touched countless lives, always exuding humility, compassion, and a gentle kindness. He greeted everyone with open arms, an open heart, and a warm smile, and was forever seeking to help those in need.

Rex grew up in Amarillo, Texas. He graduated from Price College in 1955, and attended St. Edward’s University and Marquette University, graduating in 1959 with a degree in journalism. He served in the U.S. Army (Fort Richie, MD) from 1959-1961, before entering Conception Seminary (Conception, MO) to study for the priesthood. He was ordained on May 19, 1967, at St. Laurence Church in Amarillo.

Father Rex then served nearly 59 years as a devoted and loving priest for Texas panhandle communities. He started in 1967 as a substitute priest at parishes in Pep, Morton, Muleshoe and Levelland (all now in the Diocese of Lubbock). In 1968, he was assigned as parochial vicar at St. Laurence Church, Amarillo, where he also taught at St. Laurence School. He was then appointed parochial vicar and then pastor (1977-1982) at Sacred Heart Church, Plainview, and its mission, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, after which he moved to Tulia (1982), where he served as pastor of Church of the Holy Spirit, Tulia, and its missions, St. Paul the Apostle Church, Kress and Our Lady of Loreto Church, Silverton. While in Tulia, Father Rex established a Catholic community center in Quitaque (this later became San Juan Diego Church), and was a founding member of the Red River Valley Mission Team. In 1991, Father Rex was appointed pastor of Immaculate Conception Church, Perryton, and St. Peter’s Church, Booker.

On Aug. 24, 1999, Father Rex was named a Prelate of Honor, with the title of Monsignor. Soon thereafter he returned to his hometown of Amarillo, where he served as pastor for Our Lady of Guadalupe Church (2000-2009), and then as pastor for St. Martin de Porres Church (2009-2026). Monsignor Rex celebrated Mass weekly at the Ussery-Roan Texas State Veterans Home in Amarillo; visited his fellow veterans weekly at the Thomas Creek VA Hospital; served as Spiritual Advisor for the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (a post he assumed in 2007 following the passing of Monsignor Francis A. Smyer); was a former board member of Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle; and was active with the Father Francis Crowe Council #13134 of the Knights of Columbus and as Faithful Friar for the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus.

Monsignor Rex will be missed by everyone he has encountered. We will forever be grateful for the love he has shared with us. When he committed himself to the priesthood he vowed, “I am a Priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:4). Monsignor Rex gave himself, heart and soul, to the God he loved. May his soul bask in the glory of God’s light.

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About the “Monsignor Rex Nicholl Memorial Fund”

Monsignor Rex was a humble man, devoted to God and to serving the people in his communities. He was a brother, a son, an uncle, a close friend, and a spiritual guide. He loved joining celebrations of life’s special moments. And he quietly supported individuals and families in crisis. Always when it was needed most. Always without hesitation.

He will be greatly missed.

To continue his personal, direct legacy in our lives, we’re launching the Monsignor Rex Nicholl Memorial Fund to provide individuals and families in the Texas Panhandle with small, one-time grants of up to $250 for:

• Life Celebrations: Gifts to support joyful celebrations, such as births, weddings, quinceañeras, and anniversaries, to help cover venue fees, catering/food, music/musicians, photographers, etc.
• Urgent, Unexpected Needs: Grants to help address urgent, unexpected financial needs, such as a shortage on rent, medical expenses, storm damage, car repairs, etc.

Donations to support the Msgr Rex Nicholl Memorial Fund can be made through the Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle. Important: When making your donation, specify “In Memory of Msgr Rex Nicholl” to have it added to the Memorial Fund.

Check By Mail: Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle

P O Box 15127

Amarillo, TX 79105

Memo – Memory of Msgr Rex Nicholl

Credit Card by Phone: Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle

Tammy Martin at 806-350-4608 or

Donna Blair at 806-376-4571 ext. 237

By Website: https://cctxp.org/donate/monetary-donations/ 

Select “Make a One-Time Gift” then “I would like my gift to go to” → In Memory of → Msgr Rex Nicholl