Loyd Verne Nicholson

On the evening of February 3rd, 2020, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather Loyd Verne Nicholson passed away at The Baptist Home in Ironton, Missouri. He was 86 years old. Loyd was born on October 7, 1933 to the late George Oscar Nicholson and Irena Belle (Smith) Nicholson who raised their family on a ranch in Quemado, New Mexico after moving from Arkansas. His siblings include Geneva Freeman, Cloyce, Estel, Odel and Kenneth Nicholson. On Thanksgiving day, November 25, 1954, he married his sweetheart Frances Marie Schulz. To this union, eight children were added: Sherry Michel and husband, Randy of Los Angeles, California; Diann Hood; Elaine Skipper and husband, Wray of Americus, Georgia; Dean Nicholson and wife, Debbie of St. Louis, MO; Lyle Nicholson and wife, Kelley of Tontitown, Arkansas; Steve Nicholson and wife, Michelle of O’Fallon, Missouri; Amy Braun and husband, Eric of The Woodlands, Texas; and Kay Stockenberg and husband, Doug of St. Louis, Missouri. Loyd and Frances have twenty-one grandchildren, nine great grandchildren with one more great grandchild due in July. Loyd also has a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Loyd earned a bachelor’s degree in teaching from New Mexico Western University in Silver City, New Mexico. His first job was teaching math at Amarillo Air Force Base. He was employed by McDonnell-Douglas in computer security for thirty-two years. He worked hard and was able to enjoy an early retirement at 55 years old. Throughout his life, Loyd served his church and community. He was a member of the local school board, serving as president, for many years. Loyd was a dedicated member of Fee Fee Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, nursery worker, and Sunday School teacher. He actively served on the St. Louis Metro Association Board and The Baptist Home Board. He and Frances enjoyed traveling and camping in their travel trailer. Their travels often took them to visit the people they loved including family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and children Diann and Dean. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. at The Baptist Home Chapel with Pastor Jim Wills officiating. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. prior to the service. The family requests memorials be made to The Baptist Home, which was a major part of Loyd’s earthly ministry and later ministered to him. They faithfully served and cared for Loyd later in life. Their patience, flexibility and dedication, was a blessing to Loyd, Frances and the family.