Nicholas Lloyd Cress, 26, of Peru, died a hero at Pensacola Beach, Florida, on Friday afternoon, April 28, 2023.

Born May 22, 1996, in Peru, Indiana, he was the son of Jack Lloyd and Lisa M. (Howell) Cress.

Nick was a 2014 graduate of Peru High School where he was a proud member of the Peru wrestling, football, and baseball teams. He had been working at Atlas Foundry in Marion. He loved hiking, spending time out doors and being adventuresome. Nick enjoyed working out at the gym, playing video games, hanging out with his good friends, Cody, Danny, Joe, Kyle, Tristan, Braxton, who were like brothers. But more than anything, he loved spending time with his son, Sammy!

Survivors include his son, Samuel Jack “Sammy” Cress; his fiancé and mother of his son, Jaeden Brown, both of Peru; mother, Lisa M. Cress; Peru; brother, Mike Pitman, Chili; grandparents, Ludwig and Carla Russell, Chili; aunt, Karen Dickerson (Darroll) Okeechobee, FL; uncles, Steve Howell (Cassandra) Denver, IN; and Kyle Howell Wabash, IN; cousins Kayla Dickerson, Kelli Shawver, Billy Dickerson, Kadence Shawver, Parker Platt, Holly Brown, Kylei Brown; aunts and uncles from his father’s aside of the family: Gail Jennings (Ronnie), Stella Garza (Ray), Carol Smith (George), Ellen Kay Newman (Dale Price), Robbie Lomicka (Bert), Jimmy Newman (late wife, Kathy), George Cress; and many cousins, including Karen Gustin.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Cress; and grandparents, Danny and Mary Ann Howell, and John and Ellen Cress.

Visitation will be from 3-7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 5, 2023, at McClain Funeral Home, with a time to share memories at 7:00.

Private family burial will be at Peoria Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family for the care of his son, Sammy.

McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.McClainFH.com.