John "Nick" Kent Nicholson
January 25, 1940 ~ August 2, 2020
John “Nick” Kent Nicholson
passed away Monday, August 2, 2020, at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita. He was 80 years old. John was born on January 25, 1940, in Wichita, Kansas, to Gene and Cecil Nicholson. One of twelve children, he grew up on a farm near Maize, Kansas, where he learned the value of hard work, how to do more with less, and the joy of growing up in a large family. John attended Maize High School where he excelled at track and field. Earning a track and field scholarship to Pittsburg State University, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in engineering in 1965. While at Pittsburg, he met Nancy Lou Wilson of Moline, Kansas. They were married on June 13, 1965. From this union were born two daughters, Mitzi and Wendy. John later married Jill Harrison of Wichita in 1991. Out of college, John was initially drawn to teaching, first at Abraham Lincoln High School in Des Moines, Iowa, and later at the Salina Area Vocational Technical School in Salina, Kansas. After a few years, however, he decided he would rather strike out as a small business owner. John started and successfully ran several businesses over his life, including S&W Tool, Inc. in Salina, Hi-Tech Manufacturing Inc. and Machinery Sales and Service in Butler, Missouri, and River City Equipment, Company in Wichita. He was also an avid pilot for many years. More than anything, however, he loved getting together with family and friends. John is survived by his wife, Jill; two daughters, Mitzi (Richard) Peppers of Springfield, IL and Wendy (Robert) Fink of Alexandria, VA; two step-children, Julie (Jeff) Bush and Brandon (Tina) Harrison all of Wichita; his siblings, Chuck Nicholson of Marquette, KS, Nancy Grover (Glenn) of Wichita, Murlene “Jenny” (Tony) Baker-Radcliffe of Naples, ID and and Connie (Bob Dotson) Lee of Wichita; four grandchildren, Cody Brunner of Portland, OR, Keely Brunner of Topeka, KS and Gretchen and Wiley Fink of Alexandria, VA; three step-grandchildren, Katilyn (Justin) Ralph of Eldorado, KS, Emily Bush and Brooke (Cory) Roads all of Wichita, and one great-grandchild, Connor Roads of Wichita. John was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Marty, Robert and Carl, and his sisters, Frieda, Donnie, Linda and Glenda Jean. A celebration of John’s life will be held at a date to be determined. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
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so sorry to hear about Nick’s passing. He could just not wait until we moved back to Wichita. We were so looking forward to spending time with him and Jill. To remember just one memory would nearly be impossible even in the few years I have known him. To say he was part of our family would be an understatment. It was much like losing a part of the family telling our gang he was gone. I can still remember moving across the street from him and only then finding we had graduated from Pitt in 1965 together. We were buds from then on. We did everything together from drinking coffee together to Eating Margaret’s cookies Until he called her the cookie queen. Watching Basketball was another thing we did together and enjoyed. We always said Cutting down that large tree by the shop was the dumbest thing we ever did why, because we could. That was often Nick’s reason for us doing something. To say you will be missed Nick is simply not enough, we love you. Dan and Margaret
I don’t think Nick ever met a stranger. One memory: i went to visit him at the hospital a few years back, he invited me in like it was his home and I had just come for a visit! Such warm hospitality. Love his heart for others! Praying for his lovely wife Jill. Nick you will be missed! Thankful for the wonderful memories and the promise of heaven. Looking forward to catching up then.
John was always present with a smile. John was a senior when I was a freshman at Maize he was a great leader, he will be missed. My prayer go out to his family and friends. God blessing’s and Love. Ted R Alexander Sr
I met John in the fall of 1967 when I was a junior in high school. He was 27 and just started teaching machine shop at the Salina Area Vo Tech school. While I was in the army he started his own business called S & W Tool. I started working weekends and evenings for him until I got out and stayed with him for 8 years. I learned so much from the knowledge he shared with me that I stayed in that carrier until retirement. Even after I left his employment he used to invite me to travel in his plane with him on machinery buying trips. We used to hunt together on my family farm. We remained friends for life. He called a few weeks ago just to chat, and talked about getting the old gang back together again for a party. I will miss him. My condolences go out to his family. Lloyd Arensman
With caring thoughts, The Kenneth Woodard family, Mike, Don, Bob & Cheryl
To our dear, sweet friend and neighbor, we will miss you always but know you’re among the angels. Thanks for all the great memories and love!
Nick, our loving and sweet friend and neighbor, we will miss you always but know you’re with the angels and catching the biggest fish. Thanks for all the love and great memories! We love you, Vonnie, Brayden, Kiley, and Robert Burris
I met Johnny when he was a summer lifeguard for my dad at Wilson Lake Beach on Ridge Road in the early 1960s. He always had a smile and he was a great dancer to the jukebox music! Lots of girls came to the lake just to see him! He was good friends with our other lifeguard Bill Campbell. I was friends with his cousins Marilyn and Judy Nicholson who came to the lake often. Johnny never met a stranger and could talk to anyone! We all lost touch when we went to college. I saw him once more In the early 80s at a restaurant in Salina. I was traveling with a group of teachers, we stopped to eat supper and he happened to be there too! We both laughed lots over crazy times at Wilson Lake. I am sure he will be greatly missed by his family, but don’t you know that he is having a good time in heaven! Sheryl Robertson Cleverley
I’m so sorry to hear about John passing on. We went through high school together. I’m praying for the family at this time of loss. Zelda (Hart) Hendrickson, Maize Class of 1958.