Harvey D. Nicholson

Harvey D. Nicholson, 69, of Topeka, Kansas, formerly of Ottawa, passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2017, at Colmery-O’Neal VA Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, March 6, 2017, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa. Family will meet with friends from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M., Sunday, March 5, 2017, at the mortuary. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery, Pomona, with full military honors by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Harvey was born Monday, March 24, 1947, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Harvey L. and Thelma M. (Hoskinson) Nicholson. He grew up and was a near lifelong resident of Ottawa, moving in 2004 to Topeka. He graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1966. He attended Ottawa University and the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where he ran track. He set track records in cross country in high school and college. Harvey served in the United States Army as a combat engineer in Germany from 1968 to 1970. He obtained the rank of sergeant first class, receiving the national defense service medal and was recognized as a sharp shooter. He also served in the Army Reserves for 18 years, retiring in 1993. Harvey was united in marriage to Diane Kuhn September 10, 2006, in Skidmore, Missouri. She survives of the home. Other survivors include his three sons, Kirt James of Topeka, Christopher and wife Kymber of Lone Jack, Missouri, and Eric and wife Jessica of Lawrence; brother, Gary Nicholson and wife Margaret of Ottawa; sister, Lanora Newell of Ozawkie; stepsiblings, Squire Foster and wife Doris of Newton, James Foster of Ottawa, Dorothy Anrig of Chico, California, and Opal Shepard of Pomona; two grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Brett Nicholson; Dallas Nicholson’s significant other, Karen Childers of Bandon, Oregon; and dogs, Mocha, Digger and Betsy. He was preceded in death by his father, Harvey L. Nicholson; mother, Thelma Nicholson-Foster; stepfather, Eugene Foster who was like another father to Harvey; brother, Dallas Nicholson; sister, Eletheir Presnal; stepsister, Gayle Sawyer; stepbrother, Todd Foster; and brother-in-law, Albert Presnal. He was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church of Topeka; Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 912, and the Warren Black Post 60 American Legion, both of Ottawa. Harvey was a big fan of his grandkids' team sports, also enjoying the KU Jayhawks, KC Royals and the KC Chiefs. He loved helping others and was available to help anyone in need. He was a VVA service rep who loved helping veterans. Harvey pioneered the building of the Franklin County Veterans Memorial and was on the committee to bring the American Veterans Traveling Tribute to Ottawa in 2003. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America, Task Force Omega, or ALS Association c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Harvey’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com