Don E. Nicholson's Obituary
Don E. Nicholson, 101 yrs., of West Manchester Township, died March 28, 2023 at Country Meadows Trolley Road in York. He was the husband of Betty June (Wicker) Nicholson, with whom he shared more than 77 years of marriage.
Born in Moline, KS on September 22, 1921, Don was the son of the late Ray A and Marie (Walker) Nicholson.
He was a 1939 graduate of Moline High School, Moline, KS and an engineering student at Kansas State University when he joined the Army Air Corp in 1943 as a B-17 navigator. In September 1944 during his 23rd combat mission his plane was shot down over Germany and he became a POW for 8 months. After his liberation in May 1945, he returned to Kansas, completed his engineering degree and began a long career with Standard Oil Co. residing in the Alton/Godfrey, IL area for 64 years.
He was active as an elder, deacon, trustee and Sunday School superintendent of 12th Street Presbyterian Church, Alton, IL. He was involved with the PTA association, Indian Guides program, Jr. Achievement and an active Rotary Club member. In retirement his passions included travel, gardening and woodworking.
He is survived by his wife, Betty June, daughter, Kathy N. Keperling, husband, David of York, PA and son Don Alan Nicholson of Fawn Grove, PA. His daughter, Sara N. Slipher, predeceased him in 2010. He has 5 grandchildren: Ryan Keperling, Amanda Kropp, Kyle Keperling, David Nicholson, Lisa Mercado and 8 great grandchildren. Also surviving is his sister, Jetta Rae Shaw. Two sisters predeceased him: Marjorie Brogan and Dorothy Emory.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on April 22, 2023 at Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Rd. in York, with a visitation from 10-11 a.m. Full military honors will be provided by York County Veterans Honor Guard.
Burial of his cremated remains will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at the Moline City Cemetery in Moline KS.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Red Cross.
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