Marlin Nickerson

Marlin Eugene "Nick" Nickerson, 82, Topeka, passed away on Thursday, June 7, 2007 at the Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center.

He was born June 12, 1924 in Clay Center, the son of Burt and Lura Nickerson. He spent his childhood years in Concordia.

He married Melvina Louis Rickard on March 22, 1942.

On June 8, 1943, he was inducted into military service, serving in the 325th Photo Recon Wing, 8th Air Force. Nick and many others served a crucial role in the mapping of the Normandy Invasion and finishing his service to his country in the Air Offensive of Normandy, Rhineland and Ardennes. He received his Honorable Discharge on October 3, 1945.

Returning to civilian life, he earned his carpentry apprentice on the Pacific coast under Tom Lilabollah. His first job was sawing timbers to dimensioned lumber by hand.

Nick and Melvina moved to Topeka in 1947. He spent most of his career as Shop Superintendent of the Civil Engineering when Forbes was an active Air Force Base. Upon the closure, Mick and Melvina joined the Arts & Crafts Guild applying their skills to many crafts and selling them at various craft shows. There wasn't much Nick couldn't fix or build. He was a carpenter's carpenter.

Nick volunteered his time at the Combat Air Museum and still supported it up until his death.

He lived his last two years at Brewster Place where he befriended many staff and residents.

He was preceded in death by his wife in 2005 and a daughter, Sue Hendrix. Survivors include a daughter, Linda (Calvin) Schlesener, Auburn; son, Terry (Kathy) Nickerson, Oklahoma City, OK; 3 grandsons; 3 granddaughters; and 1 great granddaughter; and a sister, Vera Higgins, Concordia.

Cremation has taken place.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at the chapel at Grace Episcopal Cathedral.

Memorial contributions may be made to Combat Air Museum.

To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabel.com