Vernon Nicholson

On August 14, 2021, a light was taken out of our lives as Vernon Nicholson departed this realm for the next.  Words do not adequately describe our sense of loss.  Our hearts are broken but our faith is strong. We know he entered Heaven victoriously.  He would tell us how wonderful it is, and to accept the gift of Salvation so we can join the Heavenly chorus.

Vernon was passionate about three things.  His faith in and love for the Lord Jesus, music, and his family.  He fell in love with Rowena at McPherson College, while earning his BA in Music Education.  They married on June 11, 1951, and celebrated their 66th anniversary before her passing in February 2018…sweethearts for 70 years.  They honored their vows to God, and to each other.  He was a dedicated husband, and loving father.

He is survived by his four sons, Gary (and Donna) Nicholson, Don (and Patty) Nicholson, Vernon Kent (and Theresa) Nicholson, and Jay (and Linnea) Nicholson; and his grandchildren (and great grandchildren), Eric Nicholson, Nathan (Katie, and Tucker) Nicholson, Aaron (Kaori, and Atlas) Nicholson, Bridget (Facundo, and Penelope) Duggan, Ben (Charity, Evan, Alice, and Michael) Nicholson, Emily (Jonathan, and Charlotte) Sass, Alex Nicholson, Laura Nicholson, Ezra Nicholson (Ashley, and Colton), Hannah Nicholson, Seth Nicholson, and Nehemiah Nicholson.

Born on April 11, 1928, to Lloyd and Ruth Nicholson, and raised in Filer Idaho, Vernon was one of four siblings.  Vernon’s three sisters, Vera Nicholson, Arlene (and Roy) McAuley, and Lois (and Robert) Johnson, preceded him in death.

Vernon taught music in the Wichita USD for over 40 years, and in Goddard USD for 7 more. He earned his Masters from Wichita State University. He loved music and the arts, traveled extensively, and working in his beautiful gardens.  He enjoyed his time spent with his church, neighborhood, and many friends and former students.  Vernon loved life; constantly finding humor, joy, and beauty, even in routine activities and difficult circumstances.

A celebration of Vernon’s life will be held at Central Community Church, 6100 W. Maple Street, in Wichita, Kansas on August 23, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.  The Graveside Service will be at 2:30 p.m., Whitewater Cemetery, 10881 SE 72nd St., Whitewater, KS  67154. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in his name to the Music and Worship Arts Department of Central Community Church.