LTC, Frank Everett Nicholas

LTC, Frank Everett Nicholas
United States Army, Retired
May 13, 1935 - April 15, 2023

Frank Everett Nicholas went to be with Jesus on April 15, 2023 in his home in Sierra Vista, Arizona. He was born in Olney, Il on May 13, 1935, to George Albert Nicholas and Mayme Pearl (nee Heap). Frank attended Calhoun schools and was in the first graduation class of East Richland High School in 1953 as a standout academic and athlete.

Frank earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Illinois and began his 20+ year military career in the United States Army. He served two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot being shot down twice, while saving countless comrades. In addition to Vietnam, he was stationed in Texas, New Mexico, New Jersey and overseas in Germany and Korea finally ending his military career at Fort Huachuca Arizona. He served as R&D Coordinator/Chief for Combat Surveillance and Target Acquisition; Laboratory of USA Electronics Command; and Satellite Test and Evaluation Directorate. In 1978 he retired from Fort Huachuca as a Lieutenant Colonel and went on to continue serving his country as a civilian managing the TED effort support of the Defense Satellite Communications Systems and operations of Satellite Terminals. He earned two bronze stars, twenty air medals, and countless other awards for his contribution to his country.

Frank enjoyed traveling, exploring the Huachuca mountains, and surrounding areas, bowling, fishing, NASCAR, gardening, telling stories, and spending time with family. He enjoyed himself everywhere he went, and everyone enjoyed him.

Frank is survived by his son David (Cari) Nicholas, Salem, OR; daughter Natasha (John) Benton, Olney IL; daughter-in-law Glenda Nicholas, Stillwater, Oklahoma; step daughter-in-law Alethea DeHotel, Lake Toxaway NC; sister Georgia (Norman) Lambird, Calhoun, IL; longtime partner Darlene Lockwood, Enid, OK. Grandpa Frank is also survived by his grandkids Brad (Donnica) Nicholas, Hodges SC, Jennifer (Aaron) Stevenson, Olney IL, Bo (Megan) Madden, Olney, IL, and Alex (Gary) Chavez, Salem, OR; Mary (Max) Foltz of Stillwater, OK and Jenny (Dylan) Pasley of Champaign IL; Mack Benton, Kenna Benton, Tasha Benton, Lea Benton, and James Benton all of Olney, IL; many loving great-grandkids, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many close neighbors.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife Mary (nee DeHotel); son Mark Nicholas, stepson Tim DeHotel; and sister Evelyn (nee Nicholas) Jones.

In lieu of flowers, memorials for Frank Nicholas can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (support.woundedwarrierproject.org (855) 448-3997) or Olney IL VFW (205 N. Walnut St, Olney, Il 62450 (618) 392-4226) or the donor’s choice.

A Celebration of Life for Frank will be held Saturday May 13th, 2023, at First Methodist Church at 335 S. Fair St in Olney, IL. Family and friends will gather to visit between 1 and 3pm with a Celebration of Life service beginning at 3pm in the sanctuary. Frank will receive full military honors. The service will be available on First United Methodist Church Facebook page (www.olneyfirstumc.com <http://www.olneyfirstumc.com> phone (618) 395-1500.

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