Gary E. (Nick) Nicholson of Sweet Springs MO, passed away February 8, 2023 at Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia.

Nick was born on January 23, 1951 in Youngstown, OH, to Russell and Dolly Nicholson. He was raised along with his two siblings, Russell and Cindy, in the Youngstown area.

Nick joined the United States Air Force in October of 1970. He served in Tiapei, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Rapid City, South Dakota where he met and married Martha Sue Knott on February 23, 1973.  He and Sue moved back to Missouri where they began their family. He retired from the Air Force in October of 1977 and would continue to live in the Sweet Springs area until his death.

Nick and Sue had two children, a son, Michael Alan and a daughter, Amanda Sue. He loved being a dad and would spend summers coaching ball teams for his kids. The only thing he enjoyed more than his own kids were his grandchildren. He was blessed with 11.

After retirement Nick enjoyed taking drives around the area with his loyal companion, Buffy.

Nick is survived by his wife, Sue, of the home; a son, Michael Nicholson (Jessica) and their children Raylynn, Kyra, Kandence, Kameron, and Ashlynn; daughter, Amanda Eckhoff (Brian) and their children Seth, MaKenna, Kaleb, Matt, Lori, and Dannika; a sister, Cindy Nicholson;  and many nieces and nephews.

He was prceded in death by his parents, Russell Nicholson and Dolly Nicholson; his brother, Rusty Nicholson; and many aunts and uncles.

A service will be held in the Missouri State Veteran’s Cemetery Chapel at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 15, 2023, with military rites to follow.  Memorials are suggested to Disabled American Veterans in care of Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home.  An online guestbook is available at www.campbell-lewis.com.