Richard Leon Nicholas, 73 of Robinson, IL, died at Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson at 1:20 p.m. Monday, December 7, 2004. He was born May 7, 1931 in Coldwater, KS, the son of Leo W. Nicholas and Viola Morton Nicholas.
He was a retired Chief Master Sgt. with the U. S. Air Force after 28 years and 6 months service. After his retirement, he worked as a rigger at the Air Force Academy. He was a Master Parachutist, having made over 200 jumps. He was Chairman of the Crime Stoppers in Robinson, a life-time member of the Robinson V. F. W. Post #4549, was active in Republican politics, and was a member of the DAV.
Richard married Phyllis Martin on December 14, 1952 and she survives. He is also survived by 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Dan and Sandra Nicholas, Hudson, New Hampshire and Steve and Stacey Nicholas, Robinson; 4 grandchildren, Stevie Lynn Cannell, Loveland, CO, Christina Moore, San Diego, CA, Justin Nicholas, Nashua, New Hampshire, and David Nicholas, Robinson; a great granddaughter, Andrea Lynn Cannell, Loveland CO; a sister and brother-in-law, Marlene and James Huffman, Las Vegas, NV. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Mansel Nicholas.
Funeral services are Saturday, December 11th at 2:00 p.m. at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Brother Robert McCarter is in charge of services. Burial is in the Hardinville Cemetery, rural Hardinville, IL. Visitation is from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday and until service time on Saturday. Memorials may be made to the Robinson V.F.W. Transportation Fund with envelopes at the funeral home. Military graveside honors will be conducted.