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Russell Dale Nicholson
Russell Dale Nicholson
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Russell Dale Nicholson, 87, passed away at 12:45am on Monday, June 10, 2024, at Jerseyville Manor Nursing Home. He was born on April 20, 1937, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, the son of the late Clifford and Imogene (Colley) Nicholson. He joined the Navy, while stationed in Whidbey Island, WA. he met and married the former Rosemary Mercer on July 19, 1959, in Vancouver British Columbia, and she survives. Other survivors include three daughters and a son in law: Sherry Rain of Alfaretta, Georgia, Gayle Nicholson of Godfrey, Heather and Nick Fencel of Alton, two sons and a daughter in law: James Nicholson of Alton, Christopher and Christine Nicholson of Elsah, his grandchildren: Josh (Misty), Sean (Liz), Tyler (Taylor), Jason, Hayley, Elli, Jade, Grace, Bronte', Taylor, six great grandchildren, an expectant great grandchild, a sister: Sharon Davis of Alton, two half – sisters: Wanda Nicholson of Cottage Hills, Pam Nicholson of Bethalto, one half – brother: Dennis Nicholson of Cottage Hills, a step brother and his wife: Rod and Lori Smith of Arizona He shared a great love of baseball with his great nephew, Rob Davis. And many other extended family and friends.
Russell was employed by the United States Postal Service where he worked and retired at the Bulk Mailing Center in Hazelwood. He then worked at the Alton Holiday Inn for 12yrs, in his free time. He had a love for camping, canoeing, and traveling. But one of the biggest highlights of his life was taking family vacations with his children and grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two step brothers: Paul Harlan and Virgil Harlan.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. Private graveside services will be held at 1:30pm on Friday, June 28, 2024, at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.
A Celebration of Life will be held the evening of Friday, June 28, 2024, at 5:00pm at the Alton Motor Boat Club at 11134 Harbor Dell in Godfrey.
Memorials may be made to 5A's Animal Shelter.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Russell, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Carolyn Nicholson Dunkin
June 29, 2024
I´ll always remember my cousin Russell from our family reunions in Mammoth Spring (both our families had moved away when we were young). It was so obvious the joy he got from gathering with his extended family. Getting to know his family later in life you could tell they were a happy, fun loving family that was very close. My condolences to all of you who loved him so dearly.
Mechelle Smith-Grissom
June 18, 2024
Riding in the back of that blue Studebaker. So sorry for your loss Nicholson Clan.
Sheila Zimmerman-Roe
June 17, 2024
One of my first memories of Russell was of him driving a loaded Ming Green Ford Gran Torino station wagon hauling family and kids to the current river to camp and float. I was very happy and blessed to be one of those kids sitting in the way back with the window down, hair blowing.
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Rae Hill
June 17, 2024
I FIRST MET RUSSELL WHEN HIS YOUNGEST DAUGHTER (HEATHER) MARRIED MY SON NICK FENCEL IN 1991.WE HAD SUCH GREAT TIMES TOGETHER,HE ALWAYS HAD US LAUGHING. GREAT TRIPS WITH HIM AND OUR GROUP OF FOUR COUPLES.LET US NOT FORGET THE WINERIES AND THE DINNERS ON NEW YEARS EVE WE BROUGHT IN 30 NEW YEARS TOGETHER.
RUSSELL WATCH OVER US AND KEEP US SAFE. I WELL MISS YOU,ESPECIALLY ON THIS NEW YEARS EVE. YOUR FRIEND RAE.
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