Jerry Nicholas

Jerry Nicholas, 83, was taken home peacefully to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 27, 2017, after battling congestive heart failure. Celebration of Life Services will be at 10 A.M., Wed October 4, 2017, at Central Community Church (6100 W. Maple). Open Viewing will begin, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary (6555 E. Central), Tuesday afternoon. Jerry Joe Nicholas was born May 29, 1934 to Edna and Bernard Nicholas in Custer City, OK. When Jerry was 7 yrs old, the family relocated to the Wichita. Jerrys high school years included time he spent with relatives in Southern California, where he attended Whittier High School, and worked for his uncles flooring company. Although very fond of his time in CA, Jerry returned to the Wichita vicinity, and graduated from Valley Center High School in 1953. With his strong work ethic and enterprising spirit, Jerry started his own delivery business, Quick Transfer, in 1956. What Jerry began with one truck and one good friend, he grew to a fleet of semi tractors and nearly 40 employees. Although Jerry attributed his success to good luck and timing, he was known for his hard work, sharp business instincts, and fairness. He was said to have considerable patience with people, but little patience with machinery. His high-energy personality earned Jerry the nickname, “Quick.” Jerry was a humble man who never had a cross word for anyone. He enjoyed traditional country music, and had a habit of naming his vehicles. Friends could spot him coming in his van “Mama Tried” or riding “Clyde” his scooter, or in his golf cart “Mama Keeps Tryin”. On July 26, 1991, Jerry married his wife Virginia, and happily assumed the role of step-dad and grandfather. After 50 years in business, Jerry retired in 2006. Jerry loved traveling with Virginia, visiting and hosting family, playing golf, and starting the day meeting friends for breakfast. Jerry is preceded in death by his father, Bernard; mother, Edna Johnson; older brother, Coit; and step-father, Jack Johnson. He is survived by Virginia Nicholas, his wife of 26 years; cousins, Duane Nicholas (Jo) of Custer City, OK, and Larry Nicholas (Robin) of Mulhall, OK; step-daughters, Liz Jones (Jeff) of Southlake, TX, Julie Locken (Bill) of Carlsbad, CA; step-son, Ken Alexander of Grain Valley, MO; and grandchildren, Bryce & Chelsea Jones, Will & Jake Locken. Jerrys quick wit, unique humor, and sound wisdom will be missed by those whose lives he touched.