Charles Nicholson III

MACOMB - Charles Wesley Nicholson III of Macomb died in the arms of his family shortly before noon Sunday, June 3, 2012, at Wesley Village in Macomb.

The cause of death was cancer, complicated by Alzheimer's disease.

Born in 1924 in Waterman, Ill., Chuck was the first of five children of Edith Marie Heath and Charles Wesley Nicholson II.

He is survived by his loving spouse of 64 years, Laura Elizabeth Kindred. Chuck and Betsy are the parents of three children, Debra Nicholson Czestochowski and her spouse, Joseph of Memphis, Tenn., Kathleen Nicholson-Tosh and her spouse, Terry of Bloomington, Ill., and Charles "Chip" Wesley Nicholson IV and his spouse, Candace of Collierville, Tenn.; two brothers, John Nicholson and spouse, Lucy of Paw Paw, Ill., and Collin Nicholson of Sycamore, Ill.; and one sister, Florence Nicholson Randall of Swisher, Iowa. Among those who have loved him for his guidance and playfulness are grandchildren, Stefan Parker Czestochowski of Memphis and Chicago, Charles Wesley Nicholson V and Gabriel David Lewis Nicholson of Collierville, Tenn., Tony Tosh of Palatine, Ill., Joan Tosh Steidinger of Morton, Ill., and Mikle Brady of Murfeesboro, Tenn.; great-grandchildren, Eric and his wife, Cecelia Steidinger, Shari Steidinger, Ashlin Brady, Tyler Joshua and Trevor Tosh and Ciani Marshall; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter,Wendy Marie Nicholson; and a sister, Marion Nicholson Zinzi.

A well-known figure in Macomb and throughout Illinois, Chuck lived a vigorous life as a servant leader. Like his mother and many other family members, he graduated from the University of Illinois.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II and, in accord with his rural roots, began his career teaching high school agriculture. Chuck would be a teacher throughout his life.

He was a talented, gracious and determined friend to the many people whose lives he touched, among them family, friends, neighbors and colleagues in professional, church and community life. He advised farmers and others for 40 years as a salesman, executive and trainer with Country Companies Insurance (now Country Financial).

He served First Presbyterian Church in Macomb in numerous roles and as a lay pastor, conducting services in many small churches. As a member of Kiwanis for 57 years, he was the longtime chair of Pancake Day. His children will remember well the aroma of his perfect "goldie browns." Chuck cared for others as if they were family by volunteering at Wesley Village, Everly House and McDonough District Hospital Hospice. An avid golfer, Chuck donated time and energy to the Western Illinois University Golf Course, where he enjoyed meeting friends in the early morning. Additional affiliations include Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, life member of the Jacksonville Masonic Lodge, Quincy Consistory and the Macomb Country Club.

Chuck's family extends sincere gratitude to the many friends who saw him through his challenging illness and to the exceptional staff at Wesley Village and McDonough District Hospital Hospice.

A celebration of life will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 6, 2012, at First Presbyterian Church in Macomb, with the Rev. Dr. Kathryn Stoner-Lasala officiating. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. this evening at the church. Burial will be in the McCliman's Cemetery in Hallsville, Ill., at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 7, 2012. Full military rites will be conducted at the cemetery.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, that memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Macomb, Macomb Kiwanis Club or Wesley Village Health Care.

Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Macomb is in charge of arrangements.

You may leave condolences and sign the guest book online at clugston-tibbittsfh.com.